Heart bypass surgery

Alternative names:

bypass surgery - heart; CABG; coronary artery bypass graft

Expectations after surgery:

Every year a half million Americans have coronary bypass surgery to relieve symptoms and prolong their lives.

Convalescence:

After the operation, the patient will spend 7 to 10 days in the hospital, the first 2 or 3 days in an intensive-care unit (ICU). Heart functions will be monitored. The full benefits from the operation may not be ascertained until 3 to 6 months after surgery. Sexual activities may be resumed 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. All activities that do not cause fatigue are permitted, and the patient is kept from attempting too much too soon.