Procedure
Sedentary admin
Sedentary light manual
Active light manual
Heavy manual
Physically demanding
Thoracoscopy with cervical sympathectomy, pulmonary resection and pneumothorax surgery
1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
4 weeks+
Thoracotomy with partial pneumonectomy
6 weeks
12 weeks
Thoracotomy with pneumonectomy
8-12 weeks
unlikely
Spontaneous pneumothorax
1-7 days
4-6 weeks
Surgery for recurrent pneumothorax
2-3 weeks
6 weeks+
Oesophagectomy
6-12 weeks
8-16 weeks
CABG
12-39 weeks
26-39 weeks
1. After pacemaker fitting, must avoid raising arms above shoulder height for six weeks to allow wires to embed fully in muscles. No driving Group 2 vehicles for six weeks, check DVLA website.