Change in surgery plan

[shellyb]

We're a little frustrated right now. We came to CC because my husband was told his surgery could be a minimally invasive one. Today we met with a cardio and he said that his surgery will most likely not be minimally invasive because of his dilated aorta. The echo here was the same as his last echo and the surgeon told us he could do the surgery minimally invasively. We're meeting with the surgeon tomorrow but it looks as though we've got a longer hospital stay and recovery.

shellyb

 

[Nancy]

It's always a disappointment when they cannot do what was planned, but if they cannot do it, then they cannot do it. CC is so excellent, I am sure they are doing everything in the best interests of the patient.

My husband had three heart valve surgeries, and one of them was minimally invasive. It improved his recovery, sure, but not as much as you might imagine. He was still mighty sore especially his ribs and lung, and groin where they pass the cannula, and he was still very, very tired and weak afterwards. The most important thing is getting the surgery done correctly, and getting the right "fix" for the problem.

I am sure your husband is in the best of hands.

 

[Marguerite53]

I am sorry you are frustrated. But honestly, better to have just the one cut, than to have the surgeon realize once he is into the minimally invasive incision that he cannot do what must be done unless he has full access to the area.

The full sternotomy is not that bad. You just have to be careful to mind the "rules" the first 2 months or so and then really, it's okay! My scar is only 5 inches long. It's amazing what they can do in so little space....but they do like that central location!!

Best wishes to you both. Have courage and stamina and faith in these magicians. All will be well.

Marguerite

 

[Bina]

My doc also wanted to see the aorta and everything else, we agreed that it was better to keep all options available and only be opened up once.
Most men breeze through the full sternotomy.

 

[Phyllis]

Dick had minimally invasive, but really I don't think his recovery was much faster than those who had the full cut- dismissed on the fifth day, driving at 6 weeks, back to tennis and golf at 3 months- maybe a little less sternum pain, but that's all. As his cardio at Brigham said, "It's like getting hit by a Mac truck instead of a 16 wheeler"

 

[Susan BAV]

Your feelings of frustration are normal--late changes in the "game plan" can be difficult to adapt to when there are so many other things and worries going through your minds. But so many here have had such excellent results from the experienced surgeons at Cleveland. Hoping all goes really well for your husband. Hang in there and take care. Post again when you can.

 

[Karlynn]

That is very frustrating, but just keep reminding yourselves that this is a change the doctors feel they must make for your husband's welfare. Wishing you and your husband the very best!

 

[WayneGM]

I can't add more to what's been said. Although disappointing, I am sure what ever is decided is in your husband's best interests. Best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth, uneventful, recovery. Ultimately, that's all that really matters.

 

[tobagotwo]

With a full sternotomy, there is more room to work, and the surgeon gets to see much more. Less chance of cramped hands or a failed stitch, less chance of something overlooked.

The minimally invasive recovery isn't shorter for your heart, just your ribs.

If a surgeon must take a knife to my heart, I prefer that he has plenty of room to do the best job possible while he's there.

Best wishes,