How many surgeries are done by Cardiac Surgery Associate surgeons?
Approximately 3200 open heart surgeries are anticipated in 1999. Multiple chest operation procedures are performed, as well as peripheral vascular procedures.
Who are the surgeons and what is their experience?
They are a 19 member group that practices throughout the Chicago area.
Heart surgery is done everyday, even on weekends, when necessary. Each
surgeon may operate and round at other hospitals, but each surgeon has
a home base hospital which he visits and operates at daily. Your surgery
will be done by a Board Certified or Board Eligible Cardiovascular Surgeon.
You will see at least one of them daily during your recovery period,
as they personally round on all patients.
How do I know this is a program with a good record?
All good programs keep careful records of their results and complication rates, and make those results available.
An important quality measure of an open heart program, is the survival rate or the mortality rates - how many patients do not survive an operation or post-operative period. The mortality for each of our practicing institutions is very low. We are part of a national database, and review of all outcomes is done on a quarterly basis by a committee composed of surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists and nurses. We are proud of the program that we have and continually strive to make our results and patient care even better.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most people are ready to go home anywhere from four to six days after surgery. By the time of discharge you will be walking the halls, showering daily, and able to climb a flight of stairs.
What will it be like on the morning of surgery?
For planned surgeries, you will come to the hospital early in the morning on the day of surgery. Your family can stay with you as you check in and stay until you go into the operating room area. As the anesthesiologist gets you ready for surgery, you will be given medicine to help you relax, and very shortly will be completely asleep.
How will my significant others be kept informed on the day of surgery?
They will be directed to the surgical waiting room. The surgery usually takes three to four hours, and your family will be called periodically by the circulating nurse in the operating room as the procedure progresses. After the operation, one of the surgeons will then come to speak to them to explain the operation and answer any questions. Once you are settled into the intensive care unit, they can come see you in your room.
Will I experience much pain?
You will have some discomfort related to the surgery, but we can reassure you that it will be manageable. Your job will be to communicate with the nurses and doctors about the level of pain you are having, so that it can be effectively managed. Initially you will receive medicine intravenously, but by the time you go home you will be quite comfortable just taking occasional pain tablets by mouth. We realize that each of you is different, and will adjust the pain management regimen to meet your individual needs.
What will I be able to do when I go home?
You can be quite active at home, and are encouraged to take short walks
two to three times a day in addition to showering, and doing light activities
around the house. There are only two restrictions: we ask that you do
not drive right away, (you may be a passenger, but not a driver), and
that you refrain from heavy lifting. It is important to listen to and
respond to your body's cues, as you gradually regain your strength.
Most people are back to full level of functioning anywhere from four
to eight weeks after surgery.
What type of support will I need when I go home?
Ideally, it is nice to have someone with you for the first few days at home. If this is not possible, you will need someone to bring in groceries, and to take you to your follow-up appointments. When you are in the hospital, we will be discussing a discharge plan with you, taking into account your personal needs. We often plan to have a visiting nurse come for a few visits to help with the transition from hospital to home. Occasionally we recommend a short inpatient stay at a rehab facility. Our main concern is your safety and health, and we will work with you to assure that you feel confident and prepared for discharge.
