Rheumatic Heart Disease Surgery Is It a Major Procedure

Rheumatic heart disease surgery primarily addresses heart valve damage caused by rheumatic fever. These procedures typically focus on repairing or replacing the mitral and aortic valves, though in some cases the tricuspid and pulmonary valves may also be affected. Surgeons perform these operations under cardiopulmonary bypass, which allows the heart to be temporarily stopped while maintaining circulation and oxygenation throughout the body.

Understanding the Complexity of the Surgery

Heart valve surgery for rheumatic heart disease is considered a major procedure due to the involvement of critical cardiac structures. However, with the support of modern medical technology and experienced surgical teams, it has become a well-established and manageable operation in leading medical centers.

Procedure Duration and Risk Factors

Typically, the surgery lasts between 3 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the specific interventions required. While any heart surgery carries inherent risks, such as bleeding, infection, or complications from anesthesia, these risks are significantly minimized in specialized hospitals with experienced cardiac surgical teams.

Repair vs. Replacement: Surgical Options

During the procedure, surgeons may choose to repair the damaged valve if possible, which preserves the patient's own tissue and may reduce the need for long-term anticoagulation therapy. If repair is not feasible, the damaged valve may be replaced with either a mechanical or biological prosthetic valve, depending on the patient's age, overall health, and lifestyle considerations.

Recovery and Long-Term Outlook

Post-operative recovery generally involves a hospital stay of about a week, followed by several weeks of rehabilitation. Patients are typically advised to follow a cardiac rehabilitation program to help regain strength and improve heart function. With proper care and follow-up, many patients go on to lead active, fulfilling lives after surgery.