10 Steps to a Successful Heart Bypass Surgery

Bypass surgery, that is, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is the most commonly performed heart surgery in the country. For most people, surgery relieves symptoms — and many people report feeling better than they have in years. Increase your odds of a successful outcome by following these steps.

Doctors who perform heart operations are called cardiothoracic surgeons. Other names for these surgeons include cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons, and thoracic surgeons. They all have the training to perform bypass surgery. Your doctor may refer you to a specific surgeon, but you have a choice. Find qualified surgeons in your area through expert groups like the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Look for a surgeon who performs many bypass surgeries with a high rate of success. You can find surgeons with the expertise to meet your needs.

Make sure your hospital also has a good success record. Consult organizations or websites that evaluate hospitals by the quality of their care. Take a close look at ratings for patient outcomes following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. You should choose a facility that is renowned for heart surgeries and successful patient outcomes. You can find hospitals with high-quality performance in bypass surgery.

Ask your surgeon and hospital how much they charge. Contact your insurance company to find out your portion of each bill and whether the insurance company has to approve the charges in advance. Be aware that after surgery, separate bills may arrive from your surgeon, hospital, and other doctors, such as the anesthesiologist.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter drugs you take. You might need to change your regimen before surgery. Also, make sure you understand exactly which drugs to take after you leave the hospital, as well as how long and how often to take them. Write it down, or ask the doctor or nurse to put it in writing for you. You might want to bring a friend or family member with you to the preoperative appointment to do this part.

Before you are wheeled into the operating room, make arrangements for the days and hours afterward. Find someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours. Buy any necessary items, including a thermometer to monitor your temperature and elastic stockings to help circulation.

Usually, you will be admitted to the hospital the day before surgery. Leave your jewelry, contact lenses, and other valuables at home, or give them to a family member at the hospital. Your doctor will give you instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before surgery.

Your surgeon will ask you to sign a consent form before surgery. Take this opportunity to ask any remaining questions about the benefits and risks. Make sure the doctor takes the time to address all your concerns and that you understand what will happen before, during and after surgery.

It is normal to have pain, weakness, and trouble sleeping for several weeks to a few months after surgery. Ask your doctor: what kind of restrictions you’ll have; what kind of assistance you will need at home; and when you can return to work and other activities. Your doctor will give you a list of dos and don’ts when you leave the hospital. For instance, you should take short walks if you can — but you should not push, pull, or lift heavy objects. Following these directions can help you recover more quickly and completely.

Your surgeon or cardiologist will want to see you several times in the weeks and months after surgery. During these visits, you will typically undergo heart tests, such as blood tests or an EKG (electrocardiogram). Do not skip them — it’s important for your doctor to monitor how well your heart is working after surgery.

This medically supervised program includes exercise training, nutrition planning, and counseling on heart-healthy lifestyles. In general, it improves the health and well-being of people with heart problems. Ask your doctor if cardiac rehab is right for you — and if so, make a point of attending.