Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery: A Lesser Traumatic Alternative
A recent study has found that many patients undergoing heart surgery may not need opioids for pain medication after discharge from the hospital. This is due to the benefits of minimally invasive cardiac surgery, which aims to reduce the trauma associated with traditional open-heart surgery. Dr. Shrirang Ranade, a Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at Manipal Hospital in Pune, explains that this technique involves small incisions between the ribs, rather than cutting through the breastbone, resulting in less scarring and faster healing.
However, not everyone is a candidate for minimally invasive procedures. Factors such as the complexity of the heart disease, past surgeries, and underlying health issues need to be considered. Dr. Ved Prakash, a Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at Sarvodaya Hospital in Faridabad, highlights the benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery, including smaller incisions, faster recovery times, less pain, and scarring, and a lower risk of infection.
Despite the advantages, there are potential risks associated with minimally invasive cardiac surgery, such as bleeding, anesthesia-related complications, or issues with the heart or lungs during the procedure. Patients are advised to discuss these risks and benefits thoroughly with their doctors before opting for this approach.
After surgery, patients can typically return home sooner and resume normal activities within a few weeks, although adherence to a treatment plan and lifestyle modifications are crucial for long-term heart health. While minimally invasive heart surgery offers numerous benefits over traditional open-heart surgery, not everyone is a suitable candidate, and pre-operative tests are essential to determine eligibility. Post-surgery recovery includes a short hospital stay and cardiac rehabilitation to improve heart function. Maintaining heart health through diet, exercise, and medication is important for preventing future heart issues.
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