Health Information

 Choice of Operaton

How to Choose a Proper	Operation
Sternotomy	Thoracotomy

Patients with mitral stenosis can choose to have balloon dilatation or closed mitral valvotomy. Balloon dilatation is expensive and is more likely to fail. However, this procedure does not produce a scar and does not require hospitalisation for more than one or two days. If the mitral valve becomes diseased again at the second time a closed mitral valvotomy can be performed. Closed mitral valvotomy is a major heart operation. It is the most common heart operation performed in India. It is also very inexpensive and can even be done in small centres with very good results. However, this operation leaves a scar and makes a second procedure more difficult.

Each open heart surgical procedure has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice of procedure depends upon

The type of valve disease

Age of the patient

Condition of the heart

Any other disease : ulcer in stomach or kidney disease

Life style of patient

Possibility of pregnancy

Discuss the options with your surgeon and express your choice. However, the final decision about the type of procedure could only be made by the surgeon on operating table by directly inspecting the valve.

Ask your surgeon about your operation scar. Some of these operation (mitral valve repair, replacement) can be done through an incision on the right side of the chest. The scar of such an incision will not be visible and can be hidden under the breast. Young patients may want an operation in which the scar may not be visible.

WHAT YOU MUST KNOW BEFORE OPERATION

1.How many valves are damaged?

2.Can the valve be repaired?

3.If valve is to be replaced, the type of valve

4.Will there be need for reoperation?

5.Will there be need for anticoagulation?

6.Can the operation be done with a small/concealed scar?

7.What is the risk to life in operation?

8.What complications are expected in the operation?