Patients are being offered practical advice on how best to get back to their normal lives as quickly as is safe in a series of new e-leaflets being piloted by the Royal College of Surgeons of England and specialist surgical associations with funding from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

The leaflets fill a current information gap that many patients experience following an operation and aim to give sound advice on what to expect from their recovery. The leaflets, initially piloted for seven common operations and produced by surgeons and patient representatives, offer a ‘traffic light’ system that encourages patient to steadily get back to every day activities and work. They also respond to evidence that even talking about or being given some information about recovering from an operation results in that recovery being quicker*.

“Patients tell surgeons they are worried about doing themselves harm if they move about after their operation, or think they need to stay in bed for long periods,” said John Black, President of the Royal College of Surgeons. “We wanted to provide some reliable, independent information that puts the emphasis for patients on what they can do, rather than what they can’t during the recovery period. Many patients are surprised how quickly they can be up and about. ”

In the past, recovery from an operation was followed by extended bed rest, but with better surgical technique, particularly keyhole surgery, and improved anaesthetics, more and more operations are being done as day or short stay cases. Surgeons and nursing staff know that getting active is a big factor in maintaining high morale and motivation. Slow recovery may damage psychological wellbeing and the ability to return to a normal life.

Minister for Health and Work, Lord McKenzie, said: We know that work is an important step in helping people regain full health. If we are serious about helping people back into work, it is vital healthcare professionals, such as surgeons, have good guidance to advise patients.

"Surgeons play a key role in the health and work message due to their contact with patients at such a crucial time in their recovery. This guidance is another step in supporting people back into the workplace."

Professor David Coggon, President of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, added: “Getting back to work is an important part of recovery from illness, and it is good to have this helpful guidance for patients on when and how to resume employment after surgery.”

Lesley Bentley, Chair of the College’s Patient Liaison Group (PLG) said: “We are very pleased to have been involved in producing these leaflets. Returning to work after an operation can be a daunting time for patients, and this information will surely be welcome.”

The leaflets are available online at:
http://www.rcseng.ac.uk/patient_information/return-to-work/ and will initially cover the following conditions:

• coronary artery bypass graft
• slipped disc (disectomy with sciatica)
• gall bladder removal (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
• removal of kidney by keyhole surgery (laparoscopic nephrectomy)
• removal of thyroid gland (thyroidectomy)
• total knee replacement
• wrist nerve surgery (carpal tunnel release)

1.    The Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling surgeons to achieve and maintain the highest standards of surgical practice and patient care. Registered charity number: 212808. For more information please visit www.rcseng.ac.uk.

2.    If you have any queries please contact:

Matthew Worrall – Email: mworrall@rcseng.ac.uk; T: 020 7869 6047

Elaine Towell – Email: etowell@rcseng.ac.uk; T: 020 7869 6045

Out-of hours: 07966 486 832