Cardiothoracic surgery is a major operation that surgery can lead to various complications, including bleeding, infection, arrhythmia, pneumonia, stroke, and kidney failure. Bleeding can cause low blood pressure, shock, anaemia, or stroke. While infection can cause fever, pain, swelling, redness, pus, or wound breakdown. Arrhythmia affects the heart rhythm and as per Dr. Ranjit jagtap clinic some possible recourse available are medication, electrical shock, or pacemaker implantation which can relieve symptoms. Pneumonia affects the lungs and may require antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or mechanical ventilation.

1. Everything you must
know about
cardiothoracic surgery
— Dr. Ranjit Jagtap
CURTIN HEALTHCARE SERVICES

2. About
Cardiothoracic surgery is derived from two words: cardio,
meaning heart, and thoracic, meaning chest. It encompasses
two main subspecialties: cardiac surgery, which focuses on
the heart and the blood vessels connected to it, and thoracic
surgery, which focuses on the lungs, the oesophagus, and
other structures in the chest cavity. Cardiothoracic surgery’s
importance lies in its ability to treat life-threatening or
debilitating diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart
valve disease, heart failure, chest trauma, etc. Cardiothoracic
surgery can also improve the quality of life and survival of
patients who need organ transplants, such as heart or lung
transplants. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover some
of the most important aspects of cardiothoracic surgery, such
as the types of procedures, the preoperative and
postoperative care, the recovery process, the potential
complications, and the outlook for patients.

3. Open-heart surgery: This is a type of cardiac surgery that involves opening the chest
wall and operating on the heart while it is stopped and connected to a heart-lung
machine. This machine takes over the function of pumping blood and oxygenating it
while the surgeon repairs or replaces parts of the heart, such as the valves, the
arteries, or the chambers. Open-heart surgery is used to treat conditions such as
coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, or aneurysms.
Minimally invasive heart surgery: Minimally invasive heart surgery involves small
incisions in the chest wall, inserted thin instruments, and a camera to operate on the
heart without stopping it. It can perform valve repair, bypass grafting, or ablation of
abnormal heart rhythms. It offers advantages over open-heart surgery, such as less
pain, bleeding, infection risk, and recovery time. However, it may not be suitable for
everyone and may have limitations or complications depending on the case.
There are many different types of cardiothoracic surgery, depending on the organ
involved, the disease being treated, and the technique used. Dr. Ranjit Jagtap tells us
about some of the most prevalent types are:
Types of cardiothoracic surgery:

4. Possible Complications During Surgery:
Cardiothoracic surgery is a major operation that surgery can
lead to various complications, including bleeding, infection,
arrhythmia, pneumonia, stroke, and kidney failure. Bleeding
can cause low blood pressure, shock, anaemia, or stroke.
While infection can cause fever, pain, swelling, redness, pus, or
wound breakdown. Arrhythmia affects the heart rhythm and as
per Dr. Ranjit jagtap News some possible recourse available
are medication, electrical shock, or pacemaker implantation
which can relieve symptoms. Pneumonia affects the lungs and
may require antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or mechanical
ventilation. Stroke affects the brain and can cause weakness,
numbness, paralysis, speech problems, vision problems, or
cognitive impairment. The risk and severity of complications
depend on factors like the type and duration of surgery,
patient’s age and health status, the surgeon’s skill, and the
quality of care before and after surgery.

5. Pain management: Cardiothoracic surgery often causes pain,
which can be managed with medication like opioids or NSAIDs.
Non-pharmacological methods like ice packs, heat pads,
massage, relaxation techniques, or distraction can also help
reduce pain. Patients should report their pain level to
healthcare providers and follow instructions for safe
medication use.
Wound care: Wound care is crucial for preventing infection
and promoting healing in surgical sites. It involves maintaining
cleanliness, changing dressings, inspecting for signs of
infection, and avoiding scratching or touching. Patients should
follow their surgeon’s advice on wound care and removal of
sutures or staples.
After cardiothoracic surgery, patients need to receive adequate
care and support to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. Some of
the aspects of postoperative care options suggested by Dr. Ranjit
Jagtap News include:
1.
2.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE: CARE THAT IS NEEDED AFTER
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

6. POSTOPERATIVE CARE: CARE THAT IS NEEDED AFTER
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery after
cardiothoracic surgery, restoring heart, lungs, and other
affected organs and muscles. It may involve physical,
respiratory, cardiac, occupational, or speech therapy.
Patients should follow their rehabilitation plan and goals,
participating in suitable exercises and activities for their
condition and progress.
Recovery: The recovery process after cardiothoracic
surgery varies depending on the procedure, patient
health, and complications. Patients may stay in the
hospital for a few days to weeks and may require
support devices like breathing tubes, chest tubes,
urinary catheters, or IV lines. At home, recovery may
take weeks to months. Patients should follow discharge
instructions, visit surgeons and primary care providers
regularly, monitor vital signs, and report any abnormal
symptoms to healthcare providers.

7. Post Surgery
Practices:
Eating Healthy: Patients should eat a balanced and nutritious diet that
is low in salt, fat, cholesterol, and sugar, and high in protein, fiber,
vitamins, and minerals. Patients should also drink plenty of fluids, such
as water, juice, or milk, to stay hydrated and prevent constipation.
Patients should avoid alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco, as they can
interfere with healing and cause complications.
Proper Rest: Patients should get adequate sleep and rest to aid in body
recovery and healing. Sleep on the back or side with an elevated
head, avoid sleeping on the stomach or chest, and avoid napping
during the day to not disrupt sleep cycle at night.
Light Physical Activity: Patients should start walking and moving as
soon as possible after the surgery to improve their blood circulation,
lung function, muscle tone, and mood. Patients should walk slowly and
gradually increase their distance and speed as they feel comfortable.
Patients should avoid lifting heavy objects, pushing or pulling anything,
or reaching above their head for at least six weeks after the surgery.
Patients should also avoid driving until they are cleared by their
surgeon.
Post-surgery recovery can be challenging, but Dr. Ranjit jagtap daughter,
Aditi Jagtap Pune offers some essential post-surgery care tips to help you
bounce back stronger. By following these tips you can ensure a smooth
healing process and take care of your health post-surgery:

8. Path to a Healthy Body:
Cardiothoracic surgery is a complex and challenging specialty that takes a lot of
dedication and hard work but it is a blessing that can treat many life-threatening or
debilitating diseases that affect the heart, lungs, or esophagus. Cardiothoracic
surgery involves various types of procedures, such as open-heart surgery, minimally
invasive heart surgery, and thoracic surgery. Cardiothoracic surgery requires
careful preparation, execution, and follow-up to ensure a successful outcome and
to prevent or manage complications. Cardiothoracic surgery can improve the
survival rate and quality of life of many patients, but it may also pose some
challenges or limitations for some patients. By understanding the different types of
procedures, preoperative and postoperative care, and recovery process, people
can gain valuable insights into this field of surgery.
_ Dr Ranjit jagtap News

9. Thank you
Phone Number
020 67441600
Email Address
info@rammangalhf.com
Website
www.rammangalhf.com/about-us