Questions for Surgeon

MarciaB · Nov 16, 2003

I'm meeting with my surgeon on Wednesday. I am trying to get a list of questions together and don't want to miss anything big. I've fished around some and come up with these so far:

Number of valve (especially mitral) replacements he's done?

Type incision and why?

Type valve and why (I'm going mechanical)

How long does he expect I'll be on bypass?

Anticipated length of hospital stay?

Does anyone have more suggestions for him? Is there any way to find out more information on the surgeon? My cardiologist says he's good, but is there some way to check?

Enudely · Nov 16, 2003

Hi Marcia
Sorry, I don't have an answer for you, but rather the same questions. I'm hoping to meet with the surgeon this week or next. I know to ask how many surgeries he's done. I'm also going to ask about the scar and also about the breathing tubes and chest tubes (I'm a bit worried about the latter, having read some horror stories on this forum!!)
Just want to be sure I'm not missing anything!!
-elena

Marcia · Nov 16, 2003

questions.

questions.

This is really interesting. I am Marcia B. also. I had a mitral valve replacement at the end of February and feel so much better. You are on the right track as far as questions to ask the Dr. Good luck.

ALCapshaw2 · Nov 17, 2003

If you are willing to risk a possible unfavorable reaction,
ask him for his morbidity and mortality numbers for similar procedures. A less offensive approach might be to ask
how he sees / assesses your risks for this surgery (under his care).

FWIW, I couldn't find much public information about my surgeon either. When I asked questions around the hospital, his CRNP seemed to think I was on the verge of a panic attack and was very guarded in her responses. That encounter did not go well. The floor nurses were much more forthcoming and helpful.

'AL'

MarciaB · Nov 17, 2003

Thanks Al! I was looking for a diplomatic way of putting it!

Somewhere on the site I found a reference to a nurse who explained it all to the kids. I'll ask about that also.

Any more suggestions out there?

MarciaB · Nov 19, 2003

Hey Folks,

My appointment got moved up to Tuesday. Dr. Kessler is nice, kind of quiet. He took all the time we wanted. I was glad to have my questions with me. He likes the St. Jude, and says they have made many improvements and are quieter now. My husband was surprised at the simplicity of the thing. I wish I had asked more questions about the nuts and bolts of the surgery, didn't really want to know yesterday, but now my morbid curiousity is taking over. So, I have a date! Dec. 9th.

I have a question for the ladies, we discussed horizontal versus vertical incisions. I went for the vertical because it's easier and gets you off the bypass faster. This morning my husband asked if that's really what I want, I guess he doesn't think scars are as sexy as I do.

So, now I'm rethinking, and I'm wondering what those who have had it done think. If you had to do it over, would you go for the horzontal scar? I don't need the "cleavage enhancing" part of it.