Our Summary

This research paper discusses the challenges faced by the Turkish pediatric cardiovascular surgery community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the severity and urgency of congenital heart disease, it was not possible to postpone all surgeries, unlike in other areas of medicine. The Turkish Ministry of Health had to prioritize which patients required immediate surgical intervention. The paper presents the experiences of handling 29 cases during the pandemic, including decisions on emergency operations and measures taken during and after surgery. The aim was to ensure the highest level of safety for both patients and the surgical team.

FAQs

  1. What challenges were faced by the Turkish pediatric cardiovascular surgery community during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  2. How did the Turkish Ministry of Health prioritize patients for surgical intervention?
  3. What measures were taken during and after surgery to ensure the safety of patients and the surgical team?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cardiac surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before surgery and taking any prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare team and to follow post-operative care instructions closely to aid in a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for cardiac surgery include those with congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and other structural abnormalities of the heart. These patients may be experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or dizziness that are not controlled with medication or other treatments. They may also have abnormal test results such as electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, or cardiac catheterizations that indicate the need for surgical intervention.

In the case of pediatric patients, surgery may be recommended for congenital heart defects that are causing symptoms or complications such as poor growth, difficulty feeding, or cyanosis (blue discoloration of the skin). Surgery may also be recommended for children with acquired heart conditions such as rheumatic heart disease or Kawasaki disease.

Overall, patients who are recommended for cardiac surgery are those who are at risk of serious complications or death without intervention. The decision to undergo surgery is typically made by a team of heart specialists, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and other healthcare providers, based on the patient’s individual circumstances and the risks and benefits of surgery.

Timeline

Timeline before cardiac surgery:

  1. Diagnosis of congenital heart disease through various tests and examinations.
  2. Consultation with a pediatric cardiologist and cardiac surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  3. Pre-operative assessments and preparation, including blood tests, imaging scans, and medication adjustments.
  4. Consent for surgery obtained from the patient or their legal guardian.
  5. Admission to the hospital the day before or the morning of the surgery.

Timeline after cardiac surgery:

  1. Transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after surgery for monitoring and recovery.
  2. Gradual weaning off of mechanical ventilation and other life support measures.
  3. Pain management and physical therapy to aid in the recovery process.
  4. Monitoring for any complications such as infection, bleeding, or arrhythmias.
  5. Gradual progression to regular diet and activity levels.
  6. Discharge from the hospital with instructions for follow-up care and rehabilitation.
  7. Follow-up appointments with the cardiac surgeon and cardiologist to monitor progress and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific reason for recommending cardiac surgery for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the expected outcome of the surgery in terms of improving my heart health?
  4. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  6. How experienced is the surgical team in performing this type of procedure?
  7. What measures are being taken to ensure my safety during the surgery, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic?
  8. What follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or medications that will be necessary post-surgery?
  10. What is the long-term prognosis for my heart health after undergoing this surgery?

Reference

Authors: Atalay A, Soran Türkcan B, Taşoğluİ İ, Külahçıoğlu E, Yilmaz M, Ecevit AN, Aydin NH. Journal: Cardiol Young. 2020 Dec;30(12):1797-1805. doi: 10.1017/S1047951120002760. Epub 2020 Aug 24. PMID: 32829738