What Is The Bentall Procedure?

The Recovery Process

Following a Bentall procedure, the patient is moved to the intensive care unit following surgery so machines can monitor their heart, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing. Tubes may be installed in the patient's chest to help drain any fluid. Patients are usually able to sit up in bed the day after their surgery. They will stay in the intensive care unit for two or three days, depending on their progress. After that, the patient is transferred to the cardiac ward of the hospital for several days. Nurses in the cardiac ward will ensure the patient's wounds are adequately cared for, bowel movements resume back to normal, pain is being managed, and they are eating properly. Physiotherapy routines can help the patient regain their activity level, and they will be taught specific techniques on how to move and lift their body while their breastbone heals. The patient will continue therapy and recovery on an outpatient basis or an inpatient rehabilitation program. Full recovery can take several months.