Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for:
Severe or rapidly worsening chest or abdominal pain
Sudden shortness of breath or coughing up blood
Fainting, confusion, or severe weakness
Heavy bleeding
A fast or irregular heartbeat with chest pain, breathlessness, or dizziness
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness or drainage, worsening pain, repeated vomiting, new trouble swallowing, fever, persistent diarrhea, or difficulty meeting fluid and nutrition goals.
The article also says
Follow your hospital’s discharge instructions and use its specific contact numbers.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Esophagectomy - open. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.