2 questions - am nervous of course!

[Chrisandgary]

Hi all! Just need your opinions. Gary is 5 + months past his 3rd OHS - this time he had an aortic aneursysm repair. Last nite he noticed he has some swelling under his incision right at the breast bone. It is not red, hot or anything just like a fluid filled hump. Any suggestions?
He also had a follow up catscan on the 13th. Everything looks good - just one note that says: There is a 2.7 x 0.8 ccm curvilinear density located just posterior to the ascending aorta, slightly denser in appearance than the surrounding structure. It does not become denser after contrast administration. This most likely represents a postoperative hematoma. There is no definite evidence of active leak. Follow up can be performed to confirm resolution.
Under the impression sections it again says: Curvilinear somewhat high density focus posterior to the ascending aorta does not appear to represent an active leak and likely represents a postoperative residual hematoma. Follow up is recommended to confirm resolution.
Should I worry? And when do I press for follow up? The cardio just attached a note that says "Good Repair"
Thanks guys!
Christine

 

[Phyllis]

Christina,
I have no experience in this but my motto always is- when in doubt, ask the Doctor. That's what they are there for and what we pay them for! You will be relieved and they will get a chance to do their "follow up"!

 

[MrP]

Months after my surgery (I forget exactly how many...maybe up to 6-8 mos.), I noticed something odd below my breastbone and near the bottom of my incision...same location as your husband I think....a swell and kinda large. At first I thought it was my aorta and was extremely concerned...thought it was "popping out". I pushed it back in. Went to the doctor and was told it was nothing at all to be worried about, as it was a harmless hernia or thinning of the muscle there following surgery which allowed my intestines to bulge out (I tested the "don't do pushups" instruction when this happened. In other words, I exerted quite a bit of pressure which caused my intestines to "pop out" beneath my breastbone where the muscles were thinned as a result of surgery). My cardiologist told me I could just push it back in next time or consider minor surgery to address the hernia. He said it was simply cosmetic. I took his advice...over a year later I don't really notice it. Hope this helps...not sure your husband has the same thing. Asking your doctor about that CT scan report and the bulge will ease your mind.
Preston