When we hear the word "heart surgery," it's normal for many of us to feel a little scared and nervous. Because we all know it's a big deal. But it's actually something that brings new hope to life and can improve the functioning of the heart. That's why today we decided to talk about these heart surgeries simply, like talking to a friend, in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is heart surgery?
Simply put, heart surgery is any surgery that involves your heart or the blood vessels that connect to it. Because it is a complex procedure, it is performed by cardiac surgeons who specialize in this type of surgery. Although it is a major event in your life, after the surgery, your heart function and blood flow will improve dramatically, and you may feel like you have a new lease on life.
Sometimes these surgeries are done to treat things like congenital heart disease. They are also used to treat heart disease that develops later in life. The type of surgery you have will depend on your condition. Some people call this ``Cardiac surgery'' or ``Cardiovascular surgery''.
In what cases is heart surgery necessary?
Heart surgery is usually required in the following cases:
- If one or more of the arteries that carry blood to your heart are blocked .
- If the valves in the heart do not work properly (they do not open or close properly).
- If you have heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias).
- In conditions like heart failure, that is, when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body.
Most of the time, after your doctor (usually a cardiologist) diagnoses that you have a heart problem, if the best solution is surgery, it will be planned in advance.
But sometimes, you may need to have heart surgery as an emergency when you least expect it. For example, if someone has a heart attack, or tests reveal that their heart valves are severely blocked, they may need to have surgery right away.
But remember, not all heart conditions require surgery. With today's advanced technology, there are non-surgical treatments. For example, procedures like ``Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)`` can reduce hospital stay and help you recover faster.
What are the main types of heart surgery?
There are several types of heart surgery. The type of surgery you undergo will depend on your medical condition. Let's take a look at the main types of surgery.
| Type of Surgery | In simple terms... |
|---|---|
| Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) (Bypass surgery) | Creating a new path for blood to flow around a blocked artery in the heart. This involves using a healthy artery taken from another part of the body. Depending on the number of blocked arteries, this is also called a "double" or "triple" bypass. |
| Heart Valve Surgery (Heart valve surgery) | If a valve, like a "gate" that controls the flow of blood in the heart, is not working properly, it needs to be repaired or a new one installed. |
| Aneurysm Repair (Repair of blood vessel dilation) | When a part of a blood vessel wall becomes weak and bulges like a balloon (aneurysm), that part is removed and an artificial vessel (graft) is implanted in its place. |
| Maze Procedure | A treatment for atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heartbeat, involves creating thin scar tissue to block the pathways of the heart's abnormal electrical signals. |
| Surgery to Insert a Cardiac Device (Implanting a device) | Various devices are implanted to correct the heart rhythm or to help the heart function. Examples: (Pacemaker) , (ICD) , (LVAD) . |
| Heart Transplant (Heart transplant) | This is the last resort. A person with end-stage heart failure is transplanted with a healthy heart from a deceased donor. This is a very complex and rarely performed surgery. |
What happens before the surgery?
It can take weeks or months to prepare for surgery. Your doctors will carefully examine your condition before deciding to perform surgery on you.
Tests you can do
Several tests will be done to determine if you need surgery, and if so, what type:
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Echocardiogram (Echo)
- Stress test
- Chest X-ray
- Coronary angiography
- Cardiac CT scan
- Heart MRI
How you should prepare
Once it is decided that you need surgery, the medical team will tell you exactly how to prepare.
- When to stop taking medications: Some medications are advised to be stopped a few days before surgery.
- Fasting: You will be asked not to eat or drink anything from the night before the surgery.
- Smoking and alcohol: To reduce the risk of surgery, it is essential to quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
Don't be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you have, no matter how small. It's best to be prepared with all the information you need.
What happens after the surgery?
After the surgery, you will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU). You will stay there for at least a day. Then you will be transferred to a regular ward.
How long you stay in the hospital depends on the surgery you had and how quickly your body heals. It usually takes between 6 and 12 weeks to fully recover from open-heart surgery.
You may experience the following during the healing process. These are normal:
- Feeling a "clicking" sound in the chest (this will go away in a week or two).
- A small bruise or swelling around the incision.
- Constipation.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- The food is tasteless.
- Pain in the shoulders and upper back.
- Sadness, anxiety, or a change in mood.
What are the risks and complications?
The results of heart surgery are generally very successful. However, like any surgery, there are some risks.
| Possible Complications |
|---|
| Allergy to anesthesia. |
| Heartbeat irregularities (Arrhythmias). |
| Excessive bleeding. |
| Infection in the incision or inside the chest. |
| Stroke. |
| Effects on the kidneys. |
If you have other medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney disease, or are a smoker, your risk may be slightly higher. That's why it's important to control these conditions before surgery.
When should you see a doctor?
If you experience any signs of complications during your recovery , call your doctor immediately. While it is normal to have some pain, the following are not normal.
- Chest pain that does not subside over time.
- Fever .
- Nausea and vomiting .
- Difficulty breathing .
- Signs of infection, such as pus oozing from the incision and redness .
- Stroke symptoms such as difficulty speaking .
If you are unsure whether a symptom is a normal part of the healing process or a sign of a complication, call your doctor without hesitation. It is better to be safe than sorry. In an emergency, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Heart surgery is a life-saving and life-changing procedure. Don't be afraid of it.
- It is very important to prepare well for the surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- It takes time to heal. Give your body the time it needs to heal. Be patient.
- Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have.
- Be aware of the warning signs that may occur after surgery. If you notice any such signs, seek medical advice immediately.
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