Occupational therapy after pectus excavatum surgery (1381)

Key points below


After pectus excavatum surgery

Precautions

Do not:

You may bend forward at the hips and neck. Keep your back straight, do not slouch. These precautions most often last for 4 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will let you know for sure at your follow up visit.

The day of surgery

- Start to feed yourself.

- Hold your own beverage.

- Brush your teeth.

- Do as much for yourself as you can.

Dressing and bathing

- Pants: Put your ankle on the opposite knee when you put on or take off socks and get pants over your feet. Be sure to bend at the hips, not at the waist.

- Shirt: For shirts that go on over your head, put your arms in first. Push the sleeves past your elbows. Hook your fingers through the hole for your head and bring the shirt overhead. Remember that you can bend at the neck, but not at the chest.

drawing of person removing their sock

woman lifting hand in the air illustration

For other health and wellness information, check out this resource:

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

 

ALERT

Call your doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any concerns or if you have special health care needs not covered by this information.