Our Summary
This research looks at two ways of doing surgery on newborn babies that were born too early and have a heart issue called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The traditional way to do this surgery can cause lung injury. They wanted to see if a different surgical approach might be better.
To do this, they looked at the medical records of babies who had this kind of surgery between 2010 and 2014. They found that the new approach resulted in fewer lung complications after surgery. Additionally, the new approach didn’t increase the need for blood transfusions and didn’t affect the babies’ survival rates.
The researchers concluded that the new surgical approach could be better than the traditional one, especially for babies with immature and vulnerable lungs.
FAQs
- What is the new surgical approach for treating patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in newborns?
- Did the new surgical approach for treating PDA increase the need for blood transfusions?
- Did the new method affect the survival rates of the babies with PDA?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sternotomy is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including proper wound care and avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities until cleared by the medical team. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help support overall recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Suitable For
Patients who are newborn babies born prematurely with a heart issue called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are typically recommended sternotomy, especially if they have immature and vulnerable lungs.
Timeline
Before sternotomy:
- Diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a newborn baby born prematurely.
- Consultation with a pediatric cardiologist and cardiac surgeon to discuss treatment options.
- Decision to proceed with surgical intervention to repair the PDA.
- Preoperative preparation including medical tests, discussions with the surgical team, and obtaining informed consent.
After sternotomy:
- Surgical incision made through the breastbone (sternum) to access the heart.
- Repair of the PDA using traditional or new surgical approach.
- Postoperative monitoring in the intensive care unit (ICU) for recovery.
- Potential complications such as lung injury, need for blood transfusions, and changes in survival rates.
- Follow-up care and monitoring to ensure successful healing and recovery.
Overall, the new surgical approach shows promise in reducing lung complications after sternotomy for PDA repair in premature newborns, potentially improving outcomes for these vulnerable patients.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What is a sternotomy and why is it necessary for the surgery I need?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with sternotomy?
- How common are lung injuries as a result of sternotomy, and what steps are taken to prevent them?
- Are there alternative surgical approaches that could reduce the risk of lung complications?
- How will the choice of surgical approach impact the overall success of the surgery and my recovery?
- What is the recovery process like after undergoing a sternotomy surgery?
- Will I need any additional treatments or therapies to address potential lung complications post-surgery?
- Are there any long-term effects or considerations to keep in mind after undergoing a sternotomy procedure?
- How does the new surgical approach mentioned in the research study compare to the traditional method in terms of outcomes and risks?
- Are there any specific precautions or lifestyle changes I should follow to promote optimal healing and minimize potential complications after sternotomy surgery?
Reference
Authors: Verhaegh AJFP, Accord RE, Kooi EMW, Arrigoni SC, Bos AF, Berger RMF, Ebels T. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2020 Jan;109(1):171-177. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2019.06.068. Epub 2019 Aug 10. PMID: 31408645