Heart Surgery

Heart Surgery in India - How Long Should International Patients Stay?

After heart surgery, your recovery needs careful management. This short explains the usual phases of recovery and the factors that determine how long you may need to stay in India.

Your stay in the hospital

The first part of your recovery takes place under close medical supervision in the hospital.

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Immediately after surgery, you are usually monitored in an ICU for one to three days. This allows for constant observation of your heart, breathing, and other vital signs.
• Hospital ward. Once stable, you are moved to a regular hospital room. You will stay here for several more days, typically five to seven, as you begin to walk and regain strength.
• Initial recovery. During this time, staff will manage your pain, check your wounds, and help you with breathing exercises. Your diet will gradually return to normal.
• Discharge planning. Before you leave the hospital, your team gives you instructions for wound care, medication, and activity levels. They will ensure you are safe to be discharged.

Staying in India after leaving the hospital

After being discharged, it is recommended you stay in India for a period of observation before you are cleared to fly home.

• Local accommodation. You will need to stay in a hotel or serviced apartment near the hospital. This allows for easy access to follow-up appointments and any urgent care if needed.
• Follow-up appointments. You can expect to have at least one or two follow-up visits with your surgeon. These are to check your healing and remove any stitches.
• Recommended duration. The total recommended stay in India after discharge is often two to three weeks. This period allows your surgeon to confirm that your recovery is progressing well.
• Fit to fly. Your surgeon will give you a 'fit to fly' certificate when they are confident that you can travel home safely. This decision is based on your individual recovery.

The exact duration of your stay in hospital and in India depends on the type of heart surgery you have and your personal rate of recovery. Your surgeon will provide specific advice based on a detailed review of your medical reports and condition.