Septal Myectomy

Get in touch with the doctor if hypertrophic cardiomyopathy symptoms do not improve with medications and other non-surgical procedures. Septal myectomy is also recommended for patients with-

• Severe thickening in the left ventricles
• Who are planning to get pregnant (even if the symptoms are not severe)
• Excessive redness, swelling or warmth around the site of the incision
• Fever higher than 100.4 F
• Weight gain of more than 2 kgs in a week

Before the septal myectomy surgery, the cardiologist provides a set of instructions for a smooth surgery experience. After reviewing the medical report, the doctor recommends diagnostic tests to determine the cause and severity of the symptoms. For patients who take certain medications such as blood thinners, the doctor may advise them to stop taking them before the procedure. Here are a few pre-surgery instructions for septal myectomy to ensure a smooth surgery experience and a quick recovery-

• Discuss your history of medical condition(s) and surgical procedures with the cardiologist
• Stop smoking and consuming alcohol a week before the procedure as they can increase the recovery time
• Inform your doctor in case you have a history of bleeding disorders
• Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes which do not put pressure on the surgical site
• Do not eat or drink 8 to 9 hours prior to the surgery. It is generally recommended to not take any meal post-midnight. 
• Inform your doctor of any ongoing medications and history of an allergic reaction to anesthesia to avoid complications during the surgery
• Take antibiotics or prescribed medications prior to the surgery as directed by the doctor
• Once prepared, you or your guardian needs to sign a consent form that gives full authority to proceed with the surgery. So be sure to resolve all your queries regarding the procedure.

Septal myectomy is often done under general anesthesia. After the anesthesia, the surgeon makes a large incision in the middle of the chest to separate your breastbone and gain excess to the heart. Then, the surgeon attaches a heart-lung machine that carries out the function of the heart for the rest of the procedure. 

Subsequently, the surgeon cuts away the part of the thickened septum using surgical tools. After the surgeon has successfully removed the obstruction, the heart-lung machine is detached and the incision is closed using surgical sutures. The procedure can take anywhere between three to four hours depending on the degrees of thickening, the medical condition of the patient and the expertise of the surgeon. 

After the procedure, you will be shifted to the recovery room where the doctor will monitor your recovery process. A medical team will keep a check on your vitals such as blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, etc. and watch for signs of infections. Since the surgeon may place a urine catheter or chest drainage tube for 24 to 48 hours, you may need a physical therapist to be able to walk again. It is crucial to follow the medication after the septal myectomy procedure to prevent complications. Here are some recovery tips which can help you after the septal myectomy surgery-

• Quit smoking and consuming alcohol
• Follow a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Maintain healthy blood pressure levels 
• Take regular medications as prescribed by the doctor
• Go for regular health check-ups

BM Birla Heart Research Centre is a super specialty hospital with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology in Kolkata. BM Birla Heart Research Centre is the only hospital offering super specialty cardiac care in entire of eastern India. With a 200+ bed capacity, cardiac rehabilitation services, cath labs and modular OTs, BM Birla Heart Research Centre has made a mark with its singular focus on the treatment of a variety of cardiac disorders. Here are a few advantages of choosing BM Birla Heart Research Centre for septal myectomy treatment in Kolkata:

• Highly qualified and experienced cardiologists
• Cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
• The transparent pricing structure for cost-effective treatment. 
• Patient-centric high-quality care for a high success rate

Get in touch with our expert heart specialists at BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata for complete cardiac care.