can you fly after surgery

can you fly after surgery

It'll depend on the regulations of your airline and the nature of your surgery.

Check before you fly

Each airline has its own regulations about flying after surgery.

Check with your airline before you fly, particularly if you have had complicated surgery.

If you have had any kind of major surgery, you should also check with your surgeon or GP before flying.

Types of surgery

As a rough guide, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) says that before flying, you should allow:

1 day after simple cataract or corneal laser surgery

1 day after a colonoscopy

1 to 2 days after keyhole surgery

4 to 5 days after simple liposuction surgery

7 days after more complicated eye surgery

10 days after chest surgery or a coronary artery bypass graft

10 days after more complicated tummy tuck surgery or full liposuction

For other types of surgery, allow:

1 to 2 days after surgery where a plaster cast is applied – if you have a broken arm or leg, it'll affect where you can sit; for example, you won't be allowed to sit in an emergency seat and you may have to purchase an extra seat if you can't bend your knee to sit normally
2 to 6 weeks after surgery for retinal detachment that involves having a gas bubble put in your eye

Risk of DVT

If you're flying after recent surgery, especially on the hips or knees, you're at an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in one of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs.

Other factors may also increase your risk of DVT, including if you:

have had DVT before
have had blood clots already
have a family history of blood clots
are overweight or obese
are pregnant

If you're at high risk of DVT, speak to your GP before flying.

They may get advice from your surgeon, for example, or recommend that you delay your trip.

You can take steps to reduce your risk of DVT, such as drinking plenty of water and moving around on the plane.

The risk of developing a travel-related DVT is low, even if you're classed as moderate to high risk.

10 common question about flying after surgery

1Should you fly after surgery?

Flying after knee surgery. It is generally recommended to wait four to six weeks to fly after any lower limb surgery. It may be possible to fly on short-haul or domestic flights at an earlier time, but patients should always contact their GP to make sure that there is not an aggravated risk of blood clots.

2How long after surgery is it safe to fly?

Risks of Clotting After Surgery. There is a risk of clotting for up to 4-6 weeks after surgery for all patients, but flying long distances aggravates this problem further. As a result, those who travel such distances may be subject to enhanced preventive measures after their procedure.

3Can you fly after lung surgery?

The Aerospace Medicine Association recommendations currently state that, “Generally, it should be safe to travel by air 2 or 3 weeks after successful drainage of a pneumothorax (or uncomplicated thoracic surgery)”

4Can you fly after gallbladder removal?

It can take around 6 to 8 weeks to return to your normal activities. In either case, you'll need to arrange for someone to take you home from hospital. Someone should also stay with you for at least 24 hours if you go home the same day as your operation, as you may still be feeling the effects of the anaesthetic.

5How long after surgery should you worry about blood clots?

You're most likely to get a clot between 2 and 10 days after your surgery, but your odds are higher for about 3 months.

6Can you fly after having a stent fitted?

In general, flying after a heart attack and stent doesn't pose great risk. But there are some precautions you must take before boarding your next airplane. Do not fly if: You have had a heart attack, stroke or stent placement within the last two weeks.

7What are the side effects of general anesthesia?

Side effects of general anesthesia include: temporary confusion and memory loss, although this is more common in the elderly. dizziness. difficulty passing urine. bruising or soreness from the IV drip. nausea and vomiting. shivering and feeling cold. sore throat, due to the breathing tube.

8Can you fly after shoulder surgery?

As a rough guide, before flying, you should allow: 1-2 days after arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery. ... 4-5 days after simple, open surgery (i.e. wrist or hand surgery). 14 days for more complicated open surgery (i.e. shoulder joint replacement surgery).

9How do you prevent blood clots when flying?

How Can I Prevent Blood Clots When I Travel? There are some simple steps you can take to avoid developing a blood clot while flying. Make sure to stretch your legs and get some exercise. You can do this by walking around the plane every few hours and changing positions in your seat.

10How long does it take to recover from a lung operation?

Lung resection is surgery to remove part or all of your lung. It is used to treat a damaged or diseased lung. It is common to feel tired for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Your chest may hurt and be swollen for up to 6 weeks.

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can you fly after surgery