How to Avoid Complications From Bypass Surgery

Although serious, bypass surgery is common and success rates are high. Still, complications do occur. There are many ways that the risk of complications from bypass surgery can be minimized, beginning with the pre-surgery measures you can take and following through to the recovery stage. Knowledge is the most important defense, as quick identification and response is the key to surviving complications of bypass surgery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Physician
• Surgeon

1. Be an engaged patient. Stay in close contact with your physician. Your doctor should provide you with information about what to do before and after surgery to minimize risk and maximize recovery. A more motivated patient tends to produce a more engaged physician. Show your doctor that you are serious about your health.
2. Determine if you are at high risk for complications. Risk factors include advanced age, poor heart function, diabetes, chronic lung disease and others. Consult your doctor.
3. Be aware of potential complications. The most common complications resulting from bypass surgery include the following: Irregular heart beat, infections of the wound, blood clots, fluid build up, stroke and post-pericardiotomy syndrome (the symptoms of which are fever and chest pain). Many of these complications can be treated with medication. All require immediate attention.
4. Your doctor may require you to take aspirin indefinitely after bypass surgery to thin the blood and help prevent or slow the closing of arteries. Dietary measures, too, may improve the lasting effect of bypass surgery.
5. Follow after care procedures properly. After you’ve had the bypass surgery, you will be shown by your surgeon as well as the nurses how to care for yourself during the recovery period. This will include cleaning wounds, taking medicines properly and other precautions to avoid complications.
6. Discuss after care with your family. Most patients have help from their family during the recovery process. The family members who plan on taking care of you need to be present for the after care training as well so they know what to do if you become incapable of performing after care procedures.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep strenuous activities to a bare minimum until you’ve fully recovered. These activities include heavy lifting, exercise or any type of sexual activity.
• Be sure to ask your doctor if there are any dietary and exercise restrictions or suggestions that will help you get back to health quickly.
• If you notice anything out of the ordinary pertaining to your recovery, such as abnormal activity involving your wound or breathing, consult your physician, local hospital or surgeon immediately.