Have just realised that you may mean that you don't want to be coughing after just having major surgery. You'll have to excuse me, im muddled today.
No it's not ideal but you really won't burst open, honest. I had a terrible cough and kept sneezing. I was told to hold a pillow over my stomach. The physio that came around gave me alot of useful tips but i can't remember them now.
I'll have a think and let you know.
Hopefully you won't get it anyway