Minimal Invasive Surgery ?

[Vanessa]

my hubby goes for his pre op orientation on June 7th . The Doc who is doing the surgery told us that my hubby would probly have the minimal invasive surgery , mind you that its been almost 3 months since we got news he needed surgery and a week before seeing the surgeon he had an eco done , long story as to why it has taken so long. Im wondering if another one will be done at the pre op due to maybe some changes. Hes having a valve replacement . I know the doc knows best and I trust his judgment but because there could be possible changes from waiting so long is minimal invasive the right choice ? I wont whats best for hubby and im all for the minimal invasive ( shorter recovery and less pain) from what ive been told . Is their anyone here who went thru the same thing and did you have an eco done right before surgery ? I will be asking on monday about but just wanted to hear from someone on here. Thanks

 

[kfay]

I had a 4 month wait between my appt. with the surgeon and my surgery. When I showed up for my testing before surgery, I did not have another echo. They did repeat every thing else (ekg, x-ray, blood work), but not the echo. I don't think there was much that could have changed in my case that would have changed the game plan. If you really want to know, you should call the surgeon's office and ask.


Kim

 

[Luana]

Hi Vanessa,
I had a minimally invasive AVR at the end of November and it went fine. What valve is your husband having replaced? Also, you may want to clarify what the surgeon means by minimally invasive. For some, it's a smaller sternotomy (the breastbone is cut), while for others it's an approach like I had, with about a 3-inch incision between the ribs. I had little pain after surgery.

Has your husband had a cardiac cath? It's a better determination of just what shape the valves are in than an echo. As far as an echo being done right before surgery, I don't know; you would need to ask the surgeon about that. No doubt he will have a TEE during surgery which is an echo done via the esophagus.

Are you going with him for his pre-op appointment? You will probably get most of your questions answered there; you might even want to start a list so you don't forget anything. Feel free to ask us any questions you might have.
Wishing all the best to you and your husband,
Luana

 

[Vanessa]

My hubby in getting the on x for the aorta I think it is . He did have the cath done but that was over 2 months ago, I wasnt sure if there is a chance for any changes. Also the surgeon did mention the smaller cut sternotomy. I will be going with him for the pre op and I have started a question list.

 

[retiredmls]

Glad to hear Luana say there was little pain after having the incision above the ribs. I went to a NY dr. for my first consult and he told me he does not do that procedure because he has found it is a More painful recovery than the mini sternotomy (and he does about 350 /yr.) My second opinion doctor does the thru the rib procedure and told me that is less painful. I just like the idea of not having the breast bone broken, even if it is a small cut.

 

[Luana]

Glad to hear Luana say there was little pain after having the incision above the ribs. I went to a NY dr. for my first consult and he told me he does not do that procedure because he has found it is a More painful recovery than the mini sternotomy (and he does about 350 /yr.) My second opinion doctor does the thru the rib procedure and told me that is less painful. I just like the idea of not having the breast bone broken, even if it is a small cut.

Well, I liked the idea of the bone not being cut, too, and my decision was more that than cosmetic. I did not have much in the way of pain in the hospital, but noticed when I got home and was doing a bit more and stretching and reaching for things that I would get some soreness. Years ago my doctor told me that I have a high tolerance for pain, but I think I'm pretty wussy.