, is removed to make a more lasting opening. This way, fluids can drain into the chest. ‚
The procedure is done to lower fluid buildup caused by: ‚
- Infection
- Surgery
- Heart or kidney problems
- Diseases of the immune system
- Cancer
- Radiation
- Underactive thyroid
- Injury
- Certain drugs
View OriginalView Original
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- CT scan
- Echocardiogram
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. They also put another small tube in your nose. This one goes down to your stomach to drain out any food or fluid that might come out during surgery. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- One of three surgery methods may be used:
- Thoracoscopy ¢ ˆ ’ A tube with a viewing mirror or camera is put through a small cut made in the chest wall.
- Anterior thoracotomy ¢ ˆ ’ A cut is made into the chest.
- Subxiphoid cut ¢ ˆ ’ A cut is made below the base of the breastbone.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- You may have to stay in the hospital for a few days.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Get rid of extra salt and water in the body. These are water pills or diuretics.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Low blood pressure
- Problems with your heart like a heart attack or abnormal heartbeat
- Collapsed lung
- Fluid builds up around the lungs. This is pleural effusion.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Very bad pain at the site
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/peri/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚