Can You Drink Alcohol After a Septal Defect Surgery?

Question

Can a patient drink alcohol after undergoing surgery to repair a septal defect?

Answer

The repair of a septal defect is typically performed under extracorporeal circulation, with the surgical outcome confirmed. If the patient’s health status is good before surgery, the recovery is usually rapid. Generally, patients can be transferred from the postoperative recovery room (ICU) to a general ward the day after surgery and can be discharged about seven days later, taking oral medication at home for about a month. Most patients experience the disappearance of heart murmurs and a return of heart structure and function to normal levels after surgery. However, for patients with poor health before surgery, severe pulmonary hypertension, recurrent respiratory tract infections, or those who are young and have low body weight, the recovery time may be longer. Once fully recovered, these patients will see significant improvement. There are usually no sequelae after a septal defect repair. However, according to medical advice, patients should avoid drinking alcohol after surgery.