Minimally Invasive cardiac surgery and open-heart surgery are two common approaches, each with distinct benefits, recovery time, and considerations. Understanding the differences in recovery time, pain management, and overall complications may help the patients make suitable decisions.
Keep reading to know more!
What Is Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (MICS)?
MICS refers to procedures that involve using small incisions to access the heart and perform the surgery.
How Is It Performed?
During the procedure, small incisions ranging from 2-4 inches are made on the side of the chest after giving anesthesia. Thin surgical instruments are inserted through incisions, allowing the surgeon to perform the surgery.
Recovery time
The recovery time after MICS is much shorter than traditional open-heart surgery. Immediately after the surgery, you may remain in the ICU to monitor the vitals.
Patients after MICS may spend 2-5 days in the hospital. On average, patients may take about 2-4 weeks to return to normal activities.
Pain and Management During Recovery
Managing pain is an important part of the recovery process.
Patients may experience mild pain, soreness, and discomfort immediately after the surgery. Painkillers prescribed by healthcare professionals may improve the condition in a short amount of time, but stronger painkillers are generally not recommended. Non-pharmacological methods, including cold packs and slow mobility, may help alleviate pain.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation may begin 1-2 weeks after the surgery. If recovery is going well, the healthcare provider will encourage you to engage in mild physical activity to strengthen muscles.
Depending on the team’s suggestions, patients may require an hour of rehabilitation about three times a week on average.
Risks And Complications After MICS
Proper wound care plays a pivotal role in minimizing the risk of infection. If you observe increased swelling, changes in color, high fever, and unusual discharge, seek medical attention immediately.
What Is Open Heart Surgery?
Open-heart surgery involves making a large incision in the chest to access the heart. It is used for performing complex heart surgeries where the heart needs access.
How Is It Performed?
The surgeon makes a large vertical incision down the center of the chest to access the heart. A heart-lung machine is used to stop the heart while the surgeon performs the surgery.
Recovery time
After the surgery, the patient is taken to ICU for close monitoring of vitals. Patients may spend about 7-10 days in the hospital, depending on the complexity of the surgery. On average, it may take them 6-12 weeks to recover and return to normal activities.
Pain and Management During Recovery
Patients may experience more pain and scarring compared to those in MICS. So, they will be given stronger pain relief medications to manage the post-operative pain. They may also be suggested breathing exercises and physical therapy to gradually resume the activities.
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
The outpatient rehabilitation is longer and begins about 8 weeks after the surgery. The patients may resume physical activities after consulting with the healthcare professional.
Risks And Complications After Open-Heart Surgery
The potential complications include bleeding, infection, and blood clots. If you observe pus around the incision site, fever, chest pain, and excessive swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
Recovery time: Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Vs. Open Heart Surgery
The recovery time for MICS and open-heart surgery differs significantly due to the nature of the procedure and the patient’s individual condition.
| MICS | Open-heart surgery | |
| Length of hospital stay | 2-5 days | 7-10 days |
| Pain level | Less pain due to smaller incisions | More pain due to larger incision |
| Time to recovery | 2-4 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
| Post-surgery care | Less intensive care | More intensive care |
| Scar healing | Smaller scars | Larger visible scars |
Table: Comparison between recovery time of Minimally invasive Cardiac surgery and Open-heart Surgery
Conclusion
In conclusion, minimally invasive cardiac surgery offers a shorter recovery time with less pain and small visible scars than open-heart surgery. However, the most appropriate approach suitable for you depends on your condition.
For any queries regarding recovery time and pain after cardiac surgeries, you may book a consultation at Heart360 Care.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time taken to fly after minimally invasive surgery depends on overall health, the specifics of the surgery, and the time taken to recover. Your healthcare professional may recommend waiting for at least 6-8 weeks for extensive surgery.
Most patients experience some level of pain or discomfort after MICS. However, the severity and duration of pain are lesser compared to traditional open-heart surgery due to smaller incisions and less trauma to surrounding tissues.
Yes, minimally invasive surgery may leave some visible scars but they are much smaller and less noticeable than the large scars left by traditional open-heart surgery.
