Redo Cardiac Surgeries
Redo cardiac surgery, also known as repeat cardiac surgery or reoperative cardiac surgery, refers to a subsequent surgical procedure performed on a patient who has previously undergone heart surgery. It is often required when there is a need to address complications or recurring heart conditions that were not adequately resolved by the initial surgery.
Redo Cardiac Surgeries
Cardiac surgery requiring resternotomy (so-called ‘redo’ surgery) is technically difficult and carries a higher operative risk than a first-time operation. The particular problems are well recognised and include difficulty with access to the heart (due to adhesions, scarring, fibrosis or calcification around the operative site) making dissection and suture placement difficult, prolonged operation times and increased postoperative mortality and morbidity.
Reasons for Redo Cardiac Surgeries:
- Reoccurring Disease: In some cases, the disease or condition that was treated during the initial cardiac surgery may reoccur or progress over time, necessitating further intervention. For example, the recurrence of blockages in bypass grafts or the degeneration of previously implanted heart valves.
- Complications: Complications arising from the initial surgery, such as infection, bleeding, or poor healing, may require corrective measures through redo surgery.
- Prosthetic Valve Dysfunction: Mechanical or biological heart valves used in the initial surgery may wear out, degenerate, or malfunction over time, requiring replacement or repair.
- Structural Abnormalities: In certain cases, structural abnormalities in the heart or blood vessels may develop or worsen after the initial surgery, necessitating further intervention.
- Improvements in Surgical Techniques: Redo cardiac surgery may be performed to take advantage of newer, more advanced surgical techniques or technologies that were not available during the initial procedure.