Boston Surgeons for 2nd Re-Op

[chd19]

Hi all,

My father will need to have his aortic valve replaced within the next 6 weeks. This would be his 3rd open heart surgery. The valve is leaking a good amount, which is causing his mitral valve to leak also (and which may also need to be replaced). He is 80 years old, but takes good care of himself by eating well and going on the treadmill 3 times a week. His previous surgeries were for an aortic aneurism & AVR in 1993 and another AVR in 2002. I am concerned about the increased risk of complications as a result of scar tissue and his age and would like to know if anyone has any experience with multiple re-operations on older individuals.

I would also like to get people’s recommendations for surgeons in Boston. We have met with Dr. Lawrence Cohn at the Brigham. I know he is an excellent surgeon, but I’m a little concerned about his age (70+). Does anyone have any recent experience w/ him and the hospital? I would also like to meet another surgeon, perhaps at MGH, for a 2nd opinion. Any recommendations? Again, I am looking for someone with lots of experience performing re-operations/more complex procedures.

Thanks in advance for your help.

-Chris

 

[Ross]

Hi Chris and welcome to the forum.

I won't beat around the bush, a 3rd surgery at his age is going to be very rough. Not impossible, but very difficult in terms of recovery. The good part is, he's physically active now, which will make a big difference in the end.

Dr. Cohn is one of the best, so I'd have no trouble having him do the surgery. I also agree on getting a second opinion, though I truly feel it will concur with the first.

Lets see what others have to say.

 

[Lynlw]

Who did his other surgeries?

 

[chd19]

I think it was Dr. Gago @ St. Jospeh's in Ann Arbor in 1993 and his 2002 operation was performed at Beaumont, also in Michigan; I don't remember the surgeon's name for that one. My father has since moved to Mass.

 

[Lynlw]

Cohn is one of the best in the Boston area. I would just make sure the surgeon/staff has alot of experience with patients that have multiple redos and everything that goes along with that. I don't have much experience with older people and redos, but know many young adults,kids, so if it helps to know the surgeons are getting more and more experience dealing with multiple redos,scarring ect and dealing with very complex surgeries. I definately think your Dad should go to the bigger centers that have alot of experience with patients like him.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

MGH and Women's and Children's Hospital in Boston are Both Highly Rated Heart Hospitals. (EDIT - OOPS! Make that MGH and Brigham and Women's Hosp).

Dr. Cohn's name has been mentioned frequently.
I would not be overly concerned about his age.
Think EXPERIENCE and KNOWLEDGE.

There was a famous Heart Surgeon in Texas who was still operating into his 90's (or at least still consulting and advising). (Dr. DeBakey?)

You can do a Search for Cohn to find links to posts including his name.

Hopefully some of our New England Members will chime in with the names of other Top Surgeons in the area.

 

[BlindFaith]

Dr Thomas MacGillivary at MGH did my fathers 4th OHS last year. My dad, at 79, had his 3rd AVR and this one was to replace a diseased mechanical. He nearly died several times before actually getting into the surgery. Dr M, replaced the bad valve with a homograft (human aortic valve including part of the aorta) because he had to cut out so much of the bad tissue. The surgery lasted close to 9 hrs. I would recommend Dr Macgillivary any time ( he just did my aortic valve last week)

Oh, and my dad visited me in the hospital 3 times, so he is doing well today. But, because of the original disease, he did take a long time to get better.

 

[Jkm7]

Definitely Mass General or Brigham and Women's. They both are among the top five rated heart centers in the U.S. year after year.

Re-do's at Mass General are very common. I had two OHS there in four years and they weren't fazed with two or three.

Dr. Alan Hilgenberg did both my OHS, the second being about 1 1/2 years ago. Very sadly, after a very fast cancer, he passed away Christmas Day. If, bite my tongue - hard!, I should need another surgery, I probably would consult with Dr. Gus Vlahakes at MGH. But, I seriously think every cardio-thoracic surgeon at both Mass General and Brigham are excellent. They wouldn't be there if they weren't among the best.

Sending all best wishes for your Dad. With experienced surgeon and nursing/support staff there is every reason to think he can do just fine.

 

[chd19]

Thanks for all the replies. I really appreciate it.

 

[njean]

Just wanted to say hello & welcome you & your father to the forum Chris.

Having had 3 OHS myself and being told that a 4th is only on a "do or die" situation, I want to wish your father the very best with his surgery.

I have only heard good things about the drs. in Boston so I'm sure he's going to be well cared for by some of the nation's best.

Prayers to you & your dad.

 

[TLB123]

I highly recommend MGH. I had my surgery there a little over two years ago. Dr. Gus Vlahakes was my surgeon. He was great. Honestly, it was a great team. I imagine there are so many incredible surgeons there and ones that have plenty of experience with patients like your Dad. I can't think of anything bad to say about the MGH. I have always been amazed at how a hospital that houses over 900 patients can always make you feel like you are the only patient. I like that when I call my doctor's office up there, I always get a person and not a recording. I have never been to BWH, but have always heard wonderful things. I imagine you will find the surgeon and care you need at either one.

Best of luck! Take Care!

 

[Herburban1]

Welcome, I had Mitral repair almost 9 months ago at MGH. My Dr. is probably in his 60s. He is very picky and does things his own way, which some people don't like. Being a nurse I know the PIA Drs. are the good ones. He was refered by my cardio at the heart center, who said if he needed my surgery he would have Dr. Aikins do it...

 

[COLLEEN S]

This is very scary to hear. I fear having a third, and at 80 this is going to be no minor feat. From what the others say, he has a top notch surg. Best of wishes to you and your loved one.