returning to work following surgery for a pneumothorax
Last reviewed 01/2018
| Recommended return to non-manual work | Recommended return to manual work | |
| Thoracoscopic surgical procedures including cervical sympathectomy, pulmonary resection and pneumothorax surgery | within 2 weeks | within 4 weeks |
| Thoracotomy with partial pneumonectomy | 6 weeks | 2 months |
| Thoracotomy with pneumonectomy | 2-3 months | unlikely |
Notes:
- the information applies to general fitness to work for people below 60 years of age without other significant disability. This information is only a guide to doctors, who will need to consider the individual clinical circumstances when advising patients
- multiple morbidities are likely to prolong recovery
Reference:
- Samuel AM, Wellwood JMcK. Fitness for work after surgery. In Palmer KT, Cox RAF and Brown I. (Eds) Fitness for Work 4th edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford 2007 pp 467-486.
- http://www.workingfit.com (accessed 3/9/2013)