Mitral Valve Repair Surgery: Postoperative Care

Mitral valve repair surgery (MVRS) is used to correct a narrowed (i.e. stenotic) or leaking (i.e. regurgitant) mitral valve. The operation can be performed through open thoracotomy or with a minimally invasive approach. In the former case, a long incision is made into the patient’s chest. Her sternum is split and the surgical team cuts through muscle in order to access the heart. With a minimally invasive approach, small incisions are made into the patient’s ribs. There is no need to split her sternum or cut through muscle.

Many hospitals continue to take an open chest approach. Because the operation is invasive, the recovery time is longer, there is more pain involved, and there is a greater risk of infection. In this article, we’ll explain postoperative care for open chest MVRS and describe what you can expect after you have been released from the hospital.

What To Expect At Home

After undergoing open MVRS, you will spend approximately one week in the hospital. You’ll spend one or two days in the intensive care unit and a few days in the regular care ward. Then, you’ll be released to your home.

Nausea and a diminished appetite are common after mitral valve repair. Your doctor may suggest that you eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day in order to avoid losing weight. Because your activity level and fluid intake will decline after undergoing the operation, you will likely experience constipation. And of course, as with all forms of open thoracotomy, there will be pain near the incision and within your chest. Your doctor can prescribe medications to reduce the discomfort.

Caring For The Chest Incision

Keeping the incision site clean throughout your recovery is critical. Before you leave the hospital, your physician will provide clear instructions regarding how to care for the wound. Gently washing the area with soap and warm water is recommended, taking care not to disturb any staples that remain at the site. Once your doctor has removed the staples (usually during a follow-up), you will be able to take showers. If you notice the incision site becoming inflamed, tell your physician. The inflammation is likely due to infection.

Returning To Normal Activity

You will begin to resume physical activity while you are in the hospital. Your nurses and doctor will encourage you to start walking once you have left the ICU in order to prompt your body’s natural healing mechanism. At home, walking is the first step toward making a full recovery. You should do it as often as you can without experiencing chest pain or a shortness of breath.

During the first six weeks after returning home, you should avoid lifting anything heavy or participating in any activity that can be considered demanding. Within three months, your body will have healed to the point that you can resume an active lifestyle.

The recovery process described above is typical for a patient who has undergone open chest mitral valve repair surgery. If a minimally invasive approach is used, the recovery time is far shorter and there is significantly less postoperative pain.

Related posts:

1. Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair For Resolving Regurgitation
2. Mitral Valve Repair Explained
3. Mitral Valve: Description and Function
4. Overview Of Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery
5. Basics Of Heart Bypass Surgery