 |
|
|
 |
|
| What
is cardiothoracic surgery? |
Cardiothoracic surgery is surgery of the chest
area, most commonly the heart and lungs. Typical diseases treated
by cardiothoracic surgery include coronary artery disease; tumors
and cancers of the lung, esophagus and chest wall; heart vessel
and valve abnormalities; and birth defects involving the chest
or heart.
Back
to Top
|
| What
is a cardiothoracic surgeon? |
A cardiothoracic surgeon is a medical doctors
who has devoted at least five years to training in general surgery
after medical school, followed by an additional two to three years
of specialty training in cardiothoracic surgery.
Back
to Top
|
| How
should I select a cardiothoracic surgeon? |
You should have the freedom to choose your cardiothoracic
surgeon. One of the best resources for recommendations is your
primary care physician or specialist. Your doctor knows the surgeons
in your community and has experience collaborating with them on
the care of numerous patients. You may also wish to inquire about
a surgeon's professional credentials. One important factor is
whether the surgeon is Board certified in cardiothoracic surgery.
To receive this certification, a surgeon must pass rigorous written
and oral examinations. Once certified, the surgeon must then demonstrate
he or she is staying current with training in the most recent
surgical techniques on an ongoing basis. Finally, you should talk
to your surgeon and ask questions at the initial consult prior
to finalizing your decision. Your surgeon will be responsible
for what could be the most major medical procedure you will ever
undergo. It is important that you feel comfortable and able to
communicate with him.
Back
to Top
|
| What
can I expect if I consult a cardiothoracic surgeon? |
Usually, a cardiothoracic surgeon will become
involved in your care at the request of your primary care physician
or specialist (typically a cardiologist or pulmonologist). The
surgeon may be asked to assist in the diagnosis of your condition,
or to determine whether or not surgery is indicated. The surgeon
will review your heart catheterization (for heart patients) or
CT scans (for lung patients) and will discuss your case with the
referring physician before you are seen in the office. During
your office visit, the surgeon will do a physican exam and review
your medical history. The remainder of your visit will be spent
discussing options, risks of surgery and answering your questions.
Sometimes the best option will not be surgery, and you will return
to your regular doctor for follow-up and care.
Back
to Top
|
| What
happens if surgery is recommended? |
Once you decide to undergo surgery, you and
your surgeon will decide on a date for surgery. Once CSAD office
staff confirms that date with the hospital, we will contact you
with specific details regarding the date and time your surgery
is scheduled. Your surgeon will also send you for "pre-admission
testing", to be done at the hospital a few days before your surgery.
This visit will usually include blood tests, and possibly an x-ray.
During that same visit a nurse from the hospital will set down
with you to explain where and when to arrive at the hospital,
what to bring with you and what you can expect before and after
your surgery.
Back
to Top
|
| What
happens after my surgery? |
Your surgeon will monitor your progress and
make sure your recovery is proceeding as planned for some time
after your surgery. Depending upon the procedure you underwent,
your surgeon may arrange for a nurse to visit you at home for
progress checks in the first days after you are discharged from
the hospital. Once you are back on your feet, you will visit your
surgeon in his office several times for follow-up care. You should
call the office when you are discharged from the hospital to schedule
your first appointment (usually one to two weeks after surgery).
Your surgeon will continue to follow your case for 30 to 90 days
to assess how your are responding to the surgery, make sure you
are healing properly and answer your questions. He may also recommend
physical therapy, exercise programs or nutritional counseling
to help you maximize your health. Ultimately, your surgeon will
refer you back to your regular doctor for follow-up and monitoring
of your condition.
Back
to Top
|
| Where
can I learn more about my condition and treatment options? |
Your best resource for information about your
particular condition and treatment options is your doctor -- or
your team of doctors, including your primary care physician, cardiologist
or pulmonologist and your cardiothoracic surgeon. Only physicians
who know the details of your particular medical history can explain
your exact condition, or factor your history into their recommendations
regarding your treatment options. However, we strongly encourage
our patients to learn all they can about their disease and treatment
options from a variety of sources. This helps our patients to
identify the questions they need answered and participate actively
in their treatment planning. A huge amount of patient and consumer
information about cardiothoracic surgery is available to the public
on the worldwide web. The Heart Center at Eisenhower Medical Centers' Resources
and Links page include a selection of sites to help you get
started. The sites listed offer extensive information about types
of heart and lung disease, treatment options, prevention and recovery.
Again, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about the information
you learn, and how it applies to your case.
Back
to Top
|
