Recovery Time After Open-Heart Surgery


 

People with chronic heart ailments or those who have blockage in the arteries of their heart undergo open-heart surgery. Also called Bypass surgery, the procedure can treat aneurysms, heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia and other heart disease symptoms. Some patients may require heart valve replacement, a heart transplant or surgery for any birth defects related to the heart.

 

Open heart surgery

The surgeon will open the chest wall to reach the heart and treat any heart issues causing problems for the patient. Doctors suggest open heart surgery only to patients who can tolerate the procedure well.

 

Preparing for open-heart surgery

The doctor may ask the patient to stop the medications that increase the risk of bleeding a few days before the procedure. Further, one must stay empty stomach and even avoid drinking water a few hours before the surgery.

For patients who smoke or consume alcohol, the doctor at cardiology hospital near me may ask to quit. Also, it is better to maintain distance from people who are already sick to prevent infection risks.

 

The procedure of open-heart surgery

 

     The surgeon will make a cut in the middle of the chest to spread the breastbone and reach the heart.

     The anaesthesiologist will administer anaesthesia and connect the heart to a bypass machine for monitoring.

     The surgeon will treat the heart issues and regulate the blood flow to the heart.

     While the heart may automatically start beating upon restoring blood flow, some patients may require an electric shock.

     The surgeon will disconnect the machine and close the incision with sutures or stitches that leave scars.

 

After the surgery

The doctor will ask for a week’s stay in the hospital post-surgery for the doctor to closely monitor recovery. A cardiologist in Chandigarh may attach various tubes to the body to provide fluids and drain urine from the body.

The medical staff will keep on removing these tubes with improvement in the overall condition during recovery. Although one may feel a little discomfort, painkillers may help alleviate the same. Upon no relief from pain or excess bleeding, it’s better to inform the medical staff to check for any complications.

The recovery after an open-heart surgery is slightly longer but one may recover fast depending upon their immunity and speed. The doctor may allow the patient to sit on a chair within 24 hours and start walking within 72 hours. A week later, the doctor may allow the patient to climb up and down the staircase but with slow movements.

Many patients take up to 3 months from the day of surgery to recover but this may be longer for some other patients. Usually, the doctors ask to come for a routine follow-up within a month to check the recovery.

 

Monitoring after surgery

The medical staff at the heart specialist hospital in Mohali usually give a few instructions for monitoring the recovery. They may ask the patient to check their pulse regularly and ensure it is in a safe range. One must immediately inform the doctor if their heart rate is out of the desired range.

The doctor will ask to maintain a record of everyday weight until the follow-up appointment arrives. A patient must notify the doctor about any sudden increase in weight which could be due to any complication.

A patient with bypass surgery must take the prescribed medications regularly and on time, as instructed by the doctor. One must take advise from the doctor before stopping any medication or in case of missed doses.

Report for the follow-up appointment according to the schedule so the doctor can evaluate the heart condition. In case of chest pain, the patient of bypass surgery must identify the signs to immediately inform the cardiologist in Mohali.

 

Lifestyle changes after surgery

 

Patients with bypass surgery must ask someone to stay at home with them for 2 weeks after the surgery. It is good to perform breathing exercises for a minimum of 6 weeks to overcome any stress.

 

     Take care of the incision while taking a shower and/ or applying soap.

     Avoid swimming or a hot water tub bath till the incision completely heals.

     Follow the diet as instructed by the cardiologist in Chandigarh which is healthy for the heart.

     If the doctor prescribes any antiplatelet medicines, make sure to take them without any miss.

 

Patients with heart issues trust the doctors at Sohana Hospital for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Our doctors have a proven track record of successfully performing advanced open-heart surgeries. The cardiologists and the anesthesiologists are backed by a dedicated team of medical staff who ensure smooth surgeries. Our 400-bed hospital comes with modern equipment and an advanced 24/7 laboratory.

Looking for a reliable hospital to get the right consultation for heart ailments and the medications to take? Visit Sohana Hospital today and our doctors will evaluate thoroughly before planning the treatment.

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