Update--Husband's Surgery Experience

[akrohn]

Well, I wanted to update everyone on what happened on 2/16/05, the day my husband was scheduled for AVR in Springfield, Illinois. I am anxious to get everyone's thoughts.

We got everything prepared to leave, my sister came from St. Louis to take care of our daughter while we were gone, my husband's sister drove down from Wisconsin for the surgery, we made the trip to Springfield the afternoon before. We did the pre-op labs and XRAY and made it through the long anxious night and arrived for check-in at 5:30 a.m. Wed morning. They took my husband back, prepped him and then I came back to tell him good-bye. We made it through the good-bye, and the nurse took me to our private waiting room and said now might be a good time to get something to eat as it would probably be an hour before they came to tell me they were beginning the surgery. So, my mother and I left to grab a bite and when we got back, we were told the surgeon wanted to speak with us. Now, I knew something was wrong as we were told the surgeon would speak to us after it was all over. So, I knew something was up. Sure enough, the surgeon and anesthesiologist came into the waiting room and informed us that while inserting the central line, the anesthesiologist nicked the carotid artery. They said they didn't notice it for a while as my husband was draped and they didn't see it. But, when they did, a large blood clot had formed and was actually moving the trachea over a little bit. They decided to postpone the surgery as they were concerned about breathing issues with the blood clot and they didn't want to give him the blood thinners necessary for the surgery with a nick in the carotid artery.

One major problem, though, he had already been anesthetized. So, he had to go to recovery and go through waking up with the tube in his throat only to find out later that the surgery never happened and he would have to do it all over again. What a bum deal!! He was so nervous about it and now he knows what's in store for him with the vent. He had a terrible time in that in between stage with the tube. He has a strong gag reflex and gagged and vomitted a lot with the tube in. He was a lot better off not knowing everything that was in store for him. But, we understand and are thankful they did not go ahead with the surgery with this increased risk.

So, has this happened to anyone else? Any suggestions for getting him through this again? Do you think we should ask for a different anesthesiologist, or do you think we should ask for the same one now that he has learned about my husband's carotid arteries? We can't get anyone to say if it was just a mistake or if my husband has weird arteries.

Anyway, I'll be glad to get some input. I was so nervous he wouldn't want to do it again, but I think once his anger has worn off, he's OK with it.

Thanks!

 

[Phyllis]

I'm so sorry this happened - I can't imagine a worst experience! Mentally, it must have been so tough for him to wake up and realize he has to go all through it again- horrible for both of you. My first instinct is to suggest that you insist on a different anesthesiologist, but maybe this one will be much more careful the second time around. Interested to see what the rest of the forum thinks and I wish you both the best- you will be in our thoughts.

 

[geebee]

I am so sorry to hear of your husband's problem. I am sure it came as a shock to both of you.

Unfortunately these types of things do happen. At the beginning of my second surgery, the surgeon (a very well known one that did my first surgery) knicked my pulmonary artery while getting through all the scar tissue from the first time. According to the surgical notes, they had a tough time stopping the bleeding.
However, I did not even find out about this until years later when I got the file.
I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I am angry that it happened; on the other, I am thrilled I had a surgical team that kept me from dying.

I would ask a few questions around the hospital about the anesthesiologist. Try to talk to a few nurses as they are the foundation of hospitals. They have all the information regarding doctors and usually are willing to share.

Should you find past problems come to light with the anesthesiologist, I would ask for another. If he has a great record, I would accept the fact that you may have been lucky that he was the one around when this happened because it may have happened regardless of the anesthesiologist and this one saved your husband's life.

You might mention that they keep your husband undraped until they know he is not bleeding when they start the surgery .

I have had problems with the breathing tube with each of my surgeries. I am claustrophobic (sp?) and I felt very trapped while the tube was in. It was not until my third surgery that I had a fantastic CICU nurse who told me that I was trying to breathe through my mouth and I should just quietly breathe through my nose if I felt I had to breathe. Once she worked with me on this, I was no longer panicked and things went very well. The only problem I had (and I am sure can't be relaxed away) is the gagging when the tube is suctioned. However, she held my hand each time and made it easier. I cannot imagine the distress of doing the "tube thing" twice so close together. I really feel for your husband.

Try to remember that all of this, no matter how good the surgical team, is in God's hands and he has a plan even tho it sometimes seems unusual. I am sure it is part of life's lessons and maybe your husband is providing some medical information that may save another's life down the road.

I wish you well and I will pray that your husband's actual surgery go much more smoothly.

 

[Karlynn]

So sorry to read of your experience. I would just echo Gina's suggestions. Do a little research and then make a decision. Please give your husband our very best wishes.

 

[csutherland]

nicked artery

nicked artery

My aunt was visiting someone in Calif 10-15 years ago when she suffered heart problems. While having bypass surgery out there her aorta was nicked and she subsequently died. I guess that would be just like having a ruptured aorta. She was in her 60s and very active and outwardly healthy. Scary. I wish I hadn't heard about this!

 

[DuchessBear]

My surgery was also postponed after I was already in the operating room, under full anesthesia, and just before they "sharpened the knives". I started bleeding from the esophagus, possibly from the TEE probe. After about an hour trying to figure out what was going on, my surgeon decided to call the whole thing off. So I woke up in the ICU with nothing having been done except the anesthesia. But my reaction was very strange -- relief! It was really weird to feel relieved instead of depressed or disappointed. Kind of like back in school when you stressed out over a big test, then a snow day or something else happened to postpone the test. You know you have to take the test sometime, but you're relieved that it wasn't that day. Anyway, 2 months later, the "real" surgery went fine, and at about 3+years post-op I'm doing great.

 

[Georgia]

Hi

Hi

I'm a little late on the uptake here.

I had my mitral valve replaced at Prairie Heart Institute - I live in Springfield, so didn't have to contend with the drive that you do. I was really pleased with the personnel - they know their jobs, they treat you well, and the facilities are mostly really nice. I still go to cardiac rehab there and I believe most people are happy with the choice.

I've sent a private message to you. Let me know if you need anything.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

If you intend to use the same surgeon, ask for HIS thoughts on the incident and whether he would want to use the same anesthesiologist or pick another. HE would be in the best position to know the skill and M&M numbers of the anestheologists at that hospital.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[hensylee]

Isn't there somewhere that we can go to get our dr's history - suits, etc.? If there is, I think I would look into it. Better to get all the info you can. Also ask how many of these surgeries he has done. Best wishes. Tell your husband how sorry we are to know of this. This one is a first for us. I believe so, anyway.