Your Hospital Stay______________
What to Expect in the Hospital
Drs. Heckman and Keim perform surgery at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY. Most of his surgeries will start at 7:30 a.m. The staff will go over these and other details with you during your pre-admission testing appointment; routine blood work, EKG, and chest X-ray will also be completed at that appointment.
Upon your arrival at St. Peter's on the day of surgery, you will initially be cared for by the nursing staff. An intravenous line will be started, and you will be given antibiotics and a shot of blood thinner to prevent blood clots. If an epidural catheter is to be placed, it will be done prior to going to the operating room. A special IV will also be placed in the neck and the arm to monitor you during surgery. During your operation, you will be under the expert care of the nursing team, anesthesiology team, and your surgeon.
Your family members may wait in the surgery waiting area on the first floor. After surgery, Dr. Heckman or Dr. Keim will speak with your family. Generally, you will be told about the surgery the next day when you are more alert.
When the operation is complete, you will go to the recovery room. Following recovery, you will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) or the surgery ward, depending on your condition. There, you will be cared for by nurses and physician assistants who have experience treating patients with hepatobiliary conditions. Drs. Heckman and Keim will see you at least once a day. During your hospital stay, all medications administered will be described to you, you will be informed of any changes in your care, and any complications that may arise.
The day after your surgery, the nursing staff will help you get out of bed and walk. Depending on the surgery that was performed, your diet will be advanced as the doctor prescribes. The type of surgery you have will determine your length of stay in the hospital, which generally ranges from one to ten days. Upon discharge, you will be given new prescriptions and detailed instructions for your recovery period.
If you have concerns or questions, we encourage you to call at any time. The surgical wound is usually closed with absorbable stitches under the skin, which do not require removal. If you have skin clips, they will be removed in the office.
The procedure you have and how you do after surgery will determine your overall recovery time, which can range from two weeks to eight weeks. Generally you will follow up with a visit to the office in one to two weeks. After full recovery, you will be seen by an oncologist if necessary. You will be scheduled for appointments with Dr. Heckman or Dr. Keim every three to four months for a check-up and new scans.