Mastectomy

What happens right after the procedure?

The woman will be kept in the surgery recovery room for a short period of time. She will have an intravenous line, or IV, and oxygen tube. The throat may be sore from the breathing tube used during the surgery. She will be asked to cough and breathe deeply to clean out the lungs and prevent pneumonia. Pain medication will be given as needed. The woman may be thirsty and nauseated, and she will have a bulky bandage and drains.

Back in the hospital room, the woman will usually need help getting up the first time. After that, she will be encouraged to get up and move about. Most women can go home the next day. The bandages and drains remain in place until they are removed by the surgeon. Home care instructions are given.