Frequently asked questions in thoracic surgery
Before your surgery
The thoracic surgery nurse case managers are available to answer any questions whilst you are waiting for surgery. Please telephone 023 8120 5394 Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
Yes, this is required. If you see the surgeon for a face-to-face appointment, the pre-assessment will be done on the same day. Alternatively, if you have had a telephone appointment you will be contacted to book a pre-assessment.
This depends on the medication you are taking and will be discussed with you at your pre-assessment, and again when you are booked for surgery.
This will depend on if you require any further investigations or treatment prior to surgery and the current waiting times. The thoracic surgery nurse case managers will telephone you to arrange the date for your operation approximately 7 to 10 days in advance. This will be followed by an admission email or letter.
- All regular medications in their original boxes
- Nightwear
- Slippers
- Comfortable day clothes
- Wash kit - including surgical wash - you will have been given at pre-assessment
- Books or magazines
- Hearing aids
- Dentures
- Glasses
- Mobile and charger
- A small amount of cash.
All valuables are your own responsibility. If you have a pacemaker or cardiac defibrillator, please bring the ID card.
After your surgery
It depends on the type of surgery you have. The surgeon and/or the thoracic surgery nurse case manager will be able to advise you.
Yes, we have ward rounds every day, the medical staff then decide on your discharge so you can be discharged any day of the week.
No (unless you have your surgery as a day case), however it is nice to have someone around to support you (they don’t need to be there 24 hours a day).
We recommend you organise for a friend or relative to collect you from hospital. It’s a good idea to start planning this before admission. If you have a problem arranging transport home, please speak to the ward team as soon as possible.
This varies depending on the procedure. The thoracic nurse specialist will discuss this with you before discharge.
It depends on the surgery you have but not normally. There is often just one stitch to be removed by your practice nurse after discharge, the other stitches are dissolvable. You will need to arrange the appointment with your practice nurse, and we will provide a letter to confirm what needs to be done.
Please telephone the thoracic nurse specialist number and they will advise you. Call 023 8120 8457, Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, and Saturday between 8am and 1pm.
No, the physios will not let you go home until you are safely walking around and managing to keep your chest clear. Not all patients see a physio, it depends on the procedure and how you are. You are normally up pottering around independently when you are ready to be discharged.
Histology results take 2 to 3 weeks to be available, then they will be sent promptly electronically to your referring team and be discussed there. They will then contact you. If you are a Southampton patient the thoracic nurse specialist will discuss how you want to receive these results, either in person or by telephone.
Not all procedures require follow up, however if you do you will be advised on discharge. If you are not local this is often a telephone follow up, unless you have had complex surgery.