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What Is To Be Done For Leakage In The Heart And Congestion In The Chest?
Question: Hello again, Dr. XXXXXXX Well. the result of the scan on my 91 year old father arrived, and he has a leakage from his heart which causes the phlegm in his chest. The doctor said this could be drained from the lung, but that really he needs heart surgery to stop the leakage, and the risks are greater if he doesn't do the surgery than if he does it. Is this the kind of condition that appears fairly unexpectedly, or is it a gradual process? Until 2-3 months ago he felt fairly good for his age. What might be the likelihood that he could survive the surgery, and recover at 91 years of age? Or would he be permanently weakened? His overall health is good for his age (except maybe for 35% renal function). Thank you.
Brief Answer:
He can withstand minor procedures.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
From your brief history I assume that your father had condition like empyema thorax or effusion which are nothing but pus or fluid in his lung cavity.
Drainage procedure might be intercostal drainage. This is a minor procedure and can be done in about twenty minutes. He can very well withstand the procedure and recovery is also better. It is better to do the procedure and if it’s not done there might be flaring up of infection and worsening of condition.
It would be better if you attach medical reports along with followup query. Wishing your family a good health.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain
General & Family Physician
He can withstand minor procedures.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
From your brief history I assume that your father had condition like empyema thorax or effusion which are nothing but pus or fluid in his lung cavity.
Drainage procedure might be intercostal drainage. This is a minor procedure and can be done in about twenty minutes. He can very well withstand the procedure and recovery is also better. It is better to do the procedure and if it’s not done there might be flaring up of infection and worsening of condition.
It would be better if you attach medical reports along with followup query. Wishing your family a good health.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you. When I can get reports I will forward them to you. About the danger related to repairing the leak from the heart, is it an especially dangerous surgery for his age? Is it an urgent procedure?
Brief Answer:
Better to go with surgery.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is better to go with the surgery. If we won’t go for surgery, there might be chances for flaring of infection.
Since it is an emergency procedure we will look for risk-benefit ratio and if the benefit outweighs risks we will do the procedure.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain
General & Family Physician
Better to go with surgery.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is better to go with the surgery. If we won’t go for surgery, there might be chances for flaring of infection.
Since it is an emergency procedure we will look for risk-benefit ratio and if the benefit outweighs risks we will do the procedure.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Given the fact that they have to clear his lungs and then do some surgery, and the fact that he has the 5 centimeter aneurysm and some congestive heart failure, what kind of chances would exist that he could survive the procedure and live for several more years into his 90s?? I realize this can be unknown, but based on known experience and data perhaps some light could be shed on this. He is currently in the hospital to stabilize him.Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Chances are on lower side.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
To be honest, at this age group, a person cannot withstand this kind of major surgery. Practically, no surgeon will do aneurysm repair on a person aged 90.
We can stabilize him and push forward as long as we can.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain
General & Family Physician
Chances are on lower side.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
To be honest, at this age group, a person cannot withstand this kind of major surgery. Practically, no surgeon will do aneurysm repair on a person aged 90.
We can stabilize him and push forward as long as we can.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
And thr leakage issue? His doctor has said he cannot survive long without the surgery for that. Even with some congestive heart failure....
Brief Answer:
Then you should go with the surgery.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The leakage you have mentioned might be pericardial effusion. Then we have to drain the fluid otherwise his heart may get congested and later go for arrest.
Since it is a life saving and emergency procedure, we have no other option but to go with the surgery.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain
General & Family Physician
Then you should go with the surgery.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The leakage you have mentioned might be pericardial effusion. Then we have to drain the fluid otherwise his heart may get congested and later go for arrest.
Since it is a life saving and emergency procedure, we have no other option but to go with the surgery.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Shinas Hussain
General & Family Physician
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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