Questions To Ask Surgeon Befor AVR

[Marty847]

I just had the Cath done on Jan 11th and it showed all the arteries was good but the Arota valve needed to be replaced. It was enlarged to 7.5cm. I now have an appointment with the Surgeon on Jan 23. My main question is what should I be asking the Surgeon during this meeting?

Thanks

Marty

 

[Marguerite53]

Hi Marty. Welcome to this wonderful site. It seems there is suddenly quite a crop of people visiting surgeons for the first time (I'm one!) so there are several threads going regarding these meetings. Please wander through the site, use the search button if you have a specific area to investigate and then read, read, read!

I'm not sure, with your enlarged aorta, if you would have a choice between a tissue valve (bovine/cow or porcine/pig) and a mechanical one. This is the biggest controversy as there are pros and cons for each. You will definitely want his opinion.

Finding a surgeon who is experienced in the work that you need to have done is very important. You can ask them how many replacements they perform each year. Knowing the quality of your hospital is important. He should be willing to offer you statistics and information.

I know others will be along, those who've already gone through this and have more perspective than I have at this point.

Happy reading! Marguerite

 

[hensylee]

Mornin, Marty. Welcome to VR. I can't answer your question, but we have many members who will be along to help out. We have another Marty, who is a dr - perhaps he can put in a word.

We have a thread about what to take to the hospital, and I think we need one to address 'what to ask the surgeon' because it is very, very important to be as well informed as possible. There are already threads about this very question and if you click search (above) and type in 'what to ask the surgeon' you will find them.

Others will be along soon to greet you and try to help.

 

[paulk]

Hi Marty. I'm sure AVR folks here will help out soon, but here are some of my the questions I asked 2 surgeons about my upcoming MVR surgery. Some of the questions you'll likely get the same answers to from one surgeon to the next, but I found I could learn a lot about the surgeon by asking more questions, and better assess my comfort level with them.

- Can you please expain how you do this surgery?
- How long have you been doing this kind of surgery?
- How many of these surgeries have you done?
- What types of complications can occur & how would you handle them?
- How likely am I to make it through the surgery? (mortality rate)
- Which specific valves do you use and why?
- What is your preferred hospital and why?
- What kind of recovery can I expect?

I would highly recommend interviewing 2 surgeons.

Best wishes from Wisconsin.
-Paul

 

[Lynlw]

I always ask (especially if it is a teaching hospital) IF the surgeon will be in the OR room @ all times and who will be opening and closing. Lyn