Some questions

[Rick W]

Here I am, five weeks out from AVR surgery. Time is going by quickly as I prepare for this operation. Does anyone know about post operative valve infections with tissue valve replacements being more prevalent than with mechanicals? Also, when the urinary catheter is inserted in a man is it true they use a stitch to hold it in? Are there staples and stitches to be removed from the sternotomy later or sometime after discharge from the hospital? I noticed Randy posted that his surgery is Jan.5th. We are both closing in on our dates. It sure appears everyone on this website who has gone through it or not experiences the same fears and concerns. Being with VR has been a real blessing for me and I have many to thank for that. I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas and Holiday Season.

Rick

 

[gadgetman]

Rick,

Someone else more medically knowledgeable will probably be along to answer your questions but as for the urinary catheter most have a balloon that is inflated once the catheter is in the bladder. This "holds" it in. No stitches.

As for the "staples and stitches" on the sternotomy--they usually use internal stitches that are absorbed later. Most use a glue (talk about superglue) to hold the top layer shut. Each surgeon has his or her own style and you should discuss this with them on your visit. Your sternum will be wired together in about 6 places with wires. These are usually left in (I've had mine almost a year now) but some people here have had problems. It makes for an interesting X-Ray.

As for the infection I'll leave that to some of the other folks. Hospitals try their best to keep ANY infection risks down but things do happen. I'm a "repaired" valver so I can't attest to tissue versus mechanical infection risks.

Good Luck on your pending surgery. Prayers and good thoughts continue your way.

May God Bless,

Danny

 

[tobagotwo]

What cruel, ignorant, semihuman idiot told you that the catheter was held in place with a stitch? There's always one in every crowd, trying to maximize your concerns for their petty amusement. So that you won't have to get it secondhand from anyone, including me, here's a description from eMedicine Health ( http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/11633-1.asp )

Foley Catheter Introduction

A Foley catheter is a thin, sterile tube inserted into your bladder to drain urine. Because it can be left in place in the bladder for a period of time, it is also called an indwelling catheter. It is held in place with a balloon at the end, which is filled with sterile water to hold it in place. The urine drains into a bag and can then be taken from an outlet device to be drained. Laboratory tests can be conducted on your urine to look for infection, blood, muscle breakdown, crystals, electrolytes, and kidney function.

It's only mildly annoying when you try to walk, and shouldn't bother you too much otherwise. Some have had unpleasant experiences when having it removed (make sure your tech fully drains the little bulb that holds it in place before removal). I found the first urination after removal to be an outstanding admonishment to avoid venereal disease, which I have imagined would produce a similar sensation. However, it passes quickly (pun intended).

Best wishes,

 

[tobagotwo]

Gadgetman is right. Different surgeons use different closures.

Many of us do get stitches (I did). If you do, they are usually removed about ten days to two weeks after the operation.

Infections can happen with either tissue or mechanical valves. Obviously, if it is a mechanical, the infection would only be in the surrounding tissue. However, valvular or perivalvular infections are not common at all. Randy, unfortunately, is an exception. Sometimes we don't want to stand out in a crowd...

Best wishes,

 

[Phyllis]

Dick had superglue to hold the top layer together and at 6 weeks out, we were still peeling some of it off. The internal stitches are absorbed later, but don't be alarmed if you see a black stitch working it's way to the surface. Just make sure it doesn't get infected and it will work its way out.

 

[Kathy Canistro]

Hi Rick

There were no stitches on the outside, I had the superglue material that slowly peels off. I was told I was discharged quickly to minimize infection risks. The cath was held in by a ballon, removal wasn't a problem and the wires to put the sternum back together have not been an issue and it does make for an interesting xray. You will probably have one on discharge and another one when you go back for your 6 weeks check-up. the incisions where the 2 chest tubes were were just covered with gauze for a couple of days. The anticipation was the worst for me and my husband. It is much better to on the other side of the surgery than where you are right now. I did not even need anything stronger than tylenol pm after I got home. I was sore but not in pain and my neck and collar bone were the most uncomfortable for a couple of weeks.

I wish you the best and a very speedy recovery.
Kathy