Surgical Risk Concerns

[Toasted Gringo]

I’ve been lurking on this site since February (2013) when I learned I’d be in need of OHS (AVR, MVR & grafts). I’ve noticed that most posts are not overly concerned with potentially negative side-effects of the surgery. Even though doctors list the possibility of everything from diarrhea to death, I rarely see any reference to serious medical issues resulting from OHS.

Why I ask?--- In addition to my cardio problems, I also have low platelets (50k), stage 1 liver disease (non-cirrhosis) and an enlarged spleen. Four cardiothoracic surgeons at different hospitals have rejected me as a surgical candidate due to risk factors.

A fifth surgeon, at a major research/teaching facility in NYC, has finally consented and set a September 16th surgery date. After reviewing my test results and medical history he estimates a 60-70% chance of success with no serious complications, versus the usual 95+%.

Does anyone else have/had similar risk odds? What are/were your feelings? Outcome?

 

[ski girl]

Wow that's quite the list of medical conditions.

All I can say is - what's the risk of serious complications/death WITHOUT the surgery? When the risks of not having the surgery outweigh the risks of having it, then you do it. That's the case for all surgeries.

Big dose of good luck coming at ya from down under!!

 

[Agian]

I dunno Gringo, but your 'risk factors' don't look like they have a lot to do with your heart. They seem to be concerned about OHS in general, as opposed to valve replacement in particular. But I still don't get it (probably because of my ignorance), why four surgeons rejected you as a surgical candidate. My gut feeling is that surgeons in Australia would have taken your 'risk factors' in their stride.

"60-70% chance of success with no serious complications" = 30-40% chance of complications; but what would they be? Liver problems? Clotting problems?