Chest Wall Reconstruction
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Chest wall reconstruction is surgery to repair the chest wall. The chest wall is made of bones, cartilage, and muscles. The chest wall protects your heart and lungs and helps you breathe.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US), or have someone call if:
- You are short of breath or feel like you cannot get enough air.
- You feel lightheaded and have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
- You feel dizzy or faint and pass out.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- You feel your heart beating in an irregular pattern.
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- Your incision is swollen, red, or has pus coming from it.
- Your stitches or staples come apart.
Call your doctor or surgeon if:
- Your pain does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- You have a fever or chills.
- You cough up yellow, green, or bloody mucus.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Antibiotics help prevent or fight a bacterial infection.
- Nausea medicine may help calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your surgery area as directed:
- Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Do not get the area wet until your provider says you may. Gently wash the area with soap and water. Pat the area dry and put on clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Do not put powders or lotions on the area.
- Check the area every day for signs of infection. Examples include swelling, warmth, redness, or pus.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can prevent the surgery area from healing. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.
Activity:
Rest often. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you can start driving and doing your regular activities again. Tell your provider what kind of work you do. You may need specific instructions if you do work that requires lifting objects.
Take deep breaths and cough:
This will help open your airway and decrease your risk for a lung infection. Take a deep breath and hold it for as long as you can. Then let the air out and cough strongly. You may be given an incentive spirometer to help you take deep breaths. Put the plastic piece in your mouth and take a slow, deep breath. Then let the air out and cough. Repeat these steps 10 times every hour.
 |
Go to physical therapy as directed:
A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength and to decrease pain.
Follow up with your doctor or surgeon as directed:
You may need to have your surgery site checked and stitches or staples removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.