Heart valve surgery to treat valve regurgitation or abnormal heart valves is usually performed only in cases where the valve pathology is severely abnormal or deteriorated, such as severe tearing or calcification that impairs function. ‘In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the valve by removing the abnormal valve and implanting an artificial valve instead’. Currently, the artificial valves used include natural ones derived from cow or pig heart tissue, as well as synthetic or metal artificial valves. Before surgery, patients must maintain their health and take medications as prescribed by the doctor.
Preoperative diagnosis before heart valve surgery
The doctor will examine the patient’s body, including the characteristics of the heart valve, consider age and underlying diseases to assess the risk of complications, and plan the preparation before heart valve surgery. Accurate and thorough diagnosis is performed by a specialized medical team with experience and expertise to select the most appropriate and best treatment method for the patient, taking into account patient safety and the chance of successful treatment.
Preparation before heart valve surgery
Preparation before heart valve surgery begins with the surgeon explaining the patient’s current condition, the reasons for surgery, benefits, drawbacks, and possible risks from the treatment. The surgeon also provides guidance on what the patient must do before and after surgery. The preoperative preparation guidelines are as follows:
- Undergo dental treatment to address tooth decay, gum inflammation, or other oral health issues beforehand, as these may cause infections after surgery. Patients must inform the dentist about their heart condition so the dentist can consider appropriate antibiotic use.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 1 week before surgery.
- If there is a history of easy bleeding, abnormal bleeding cessation, or bruising on the body, inform the doctor in advance.
- Discontinue medications as advised by the doctor at least 5-7 days before surgery. Patients must inform the doctor in detail about all medications and herbal supplements they are taking.
- Patients must inform the doctor about any drug allergies or allergies to substances before surgery so the doctor can assess risks and take preventive measures.
Risks that may occur during heart surgery
Risks or complications during heart surgery can occur, so preparation before surgery is necessary. The doctor will inform the patient of possible risks, including:
- Chest pain and fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood loss
- Infection at the chest wound (risk increases if the patient has obesity or diabetes)
- Heart failure
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Pneumonia or infection
- Lung or kidney failure
- Stroke
- Cognitive impairment
- Blood clots
- Various risks from artificial lungs or heart
To reduce these risks, patients should provide detailed health information to the cardiac surgeon and strictly follow the instructions in ‘Preparation before heart valve surgery’, which is an essential part of achieving successful treatment outcomes.
Dr. Chayut Chewapruk
Cardiovascular specialist
Heart Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
