What’s open heart surgery all about?

An open-heart surgery performed on a child is somewhat different depending on the size of the blood pumping organ. It’s a procedure done to make the heart resume its normal functioning. 

The statistics of 2019 have revealed that over 13.3 million children world-wide are born with congenital heart disease, also known as CHD. This disease leads to complications that can only be fixed through surgery. 

So, let’s talk about why your child needs an open-heart surgery.

Why does your child need open-heart surgery? 

Heart defects can be in a variety of forms. While some are less serious, others require immediate action for the baby to survive. Either the heart itself or the big blood arteries that surround it, may have flaws. Surgery may be required for some cardiac problems as soon as the infant is born. In other cases, it could be okay for your kid to postpone surgery for weeks, months, or even years.

Common heart defects that require open heart surgery. 

1. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) 
2. Atrial septal defect (ASD) 
3. Tetralogy of Fallot (Toof) 
4. Transposition of the great arteries (TGA)
5. Aortic constriction, or coarctation of the aorta (CoA)

What are the Pre-surgery preparations to take care for?

• If your child can talk already, give them a brief explanation of the procedure given. Preschoolers should be told a day in advance that they will be having a heart operation.
• When talking about the surgery with older kids, involve an expert and take them around the hospital a week beforehand. 
• It may be necessary to do a number of tests, such as cardiac catheterization, X-rays, ECGs, and ECHOs.
• Tell the doctor about everything your kid takes on a daily basis, including vitamins, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal remedies.
• Don’t hesitate to ask them about whether your child still needs to take certain drugs like blood thinners.
• Make sure the youngster has nothing to eat or drink after midnight, other than a tiny sip of water with their prescription.

What’s the procedure going to be like?

As a parent, your nerves may be going through the roof before the daunting day of surgery. However, it’s crucial to remind yourself that it’s what’s best for your child in the longer run. Take a look at the following steps to know what it’s going to be like so you’re well prepared to tackle any on-the-spot nervousness. 

• To guarantee that your child is pain-free, anesthesia is given to put them to sleep during the operation
• Depending on the age and technique, surgeons create a chest incision of varied sizes.
• Children are attached to heart-lung bypass devices that are sized appropriately for their tiny stature.
• When necessary, the surgeon replaces or repairs damaged cardiac tissue. This might entail opening clogged arteries, replacing heart valves, or fixing congenital cardiac abnormalities. 
• Sutures or surgical staples are used to close the chest incision once all necessary repairs have been completed. Following that, kids are sent to a pediatric cardiac critical care unit (PCICU) where they will receive careful observation during their early recuperation. Pain control, infection control, and assistance with the child’s emotional and mental health are all part of post-surgery care. 

What to bring if it’s a long-term stay? 

Always check in with the hospital before packing and if you get a green light make sure your child has their comfort Items, clothing, coloring books depending on their age their favorite toothbrush, toothpaste, and hairbrush can make them feel more at home. You may also bring any portable devices like TABS after checking the hospital’s policy. 

While you’re caring for your child, don’t forget to bring your own comfortable clothing, toiletries, snacks, water bottle, chargers, any important legal or medical documents, and some extra cash and credit cards to keep you covered while you’re there. 

Post open heart surgery care

Before diving into the post-surgery care, it’s important to remind yourself that the heart is a delicate organ and must be given the required time for it to resume normal functioning. 

Following open heart surgery, your child must spend two to four days in the intensive care unit (ICU). After leaving the ICU, they may remain in the hospital for an additional five to seven days. You will be allowed to meet your kid as soon as their condition is declared stable. The hours may vary depending on their condition. However, your kid may need to stay in the hospital for several weeks or months following more complicated cardiac surgery.

The tubes and wires will have been removed by the time your kid is allowed to go home. They will be encouraged to start some of their regular daily activities depending on the surgery’s outcome. Not all children may begin eating or drinking on their own within 1 or 2 days, some may take longer. 

The surgeon and other medical professionals will teach you what activities are OK for your child to do, how to be extra gentle with the incisions, and how/when to give medicines. 

Your child may need at least several more weeks at the comfort of their home to recover. Stay in touch with your health care provider about when they can return to school or daycare.

You will have to arrange follow-up visits with a cardiologist every 6 to 12 months and your child may need to take antibiotics to prevent serious heart infections before going to the dentist for their regular checkups. 

What should be your long-term post-surgery care approach? 

First you need to focus on diet and nutrition which can include a diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium while rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Pay special attention to proteins like white meat which is essential for heart tissue healing. 

Depending on your child’s age, pair this with regular physical activity within any limitations set by the doctors. 

Wound care is another important aspect in the immediate months following surgery. Your child’s doctor will guide you how to look out for the wound and keep the surgical area clean of any germs or infections. Stay up to date with any required vaccinations. 

You will be educated on signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention, such as signs of infection, unusual fatigue, difficulty breathing, or changes in heart rhythm. 

So tap into your supportive parent mode and be patient, your child is going to be just fine!