Robotic cardiac surgery and open-heart surgery remain the two crucial treatments to address heart-related issues, but they differ in terms of procedure and recovery times.
In this blog, we will explore the key differences between robotic and open-heart surgery, focusing on the recovery time after the surgery.
What Is Robotic Cardiac Surgery?
Robotic cardiac surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an advanced robotic system to perform complex heart procedures.
How Is It Performed?
- The surgeon will make keyhole-sized incisions on the chest.ย
- Small surgical tools and 3D vision cameras connected to robotic arms are inserted through the incisions.
- The surgeon controls robotic arms from a console to perform surgery.ย
Recovery time
One key feature of robotic cardiac surgery is its shorter recovery time compared to open-heart surgery. Patients experience less pain and trauma to the body, allowing them to recover quickly.
The patients who have had robotic cardiac surgery may spend 3-5 days in the hospital.
They may take about 2-4 weeks to return to normal light activities.
Pain and Management During Recovery
As robotic heart surgery is minimally invasive, patients may experience pain, discomfort, or mild pressure around the small incisions. However, the pain levels are lower compared to open-heart surgery.
The pain can be managed with
- ย Painkillers as prescribed by the doctors.
- Applying ice packs to the chest area to provide relief
Post Surgery Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after surgery is crucial. Immediately after the surgery, patients are monitored in the recovery room or ICU. They are encouraged to walk within a day and deep breathing exercises to improve lung function.
The tailored physical therapy program, including walking, stretching, and shoulder movements is started after discharge. Cardiac rehabilitation, including emotional support and a heart-healthy lifestyle, is recommended.
Complications After Robotic Heart Surgery
Complications after robotic heart surgery are rare and there may be a risk of bleeding, infection, irregular heartbeats, and stroke. You may see your healthcare provider if you notice drainage or pus, fever, heart palpations, unusual swelling or fluid retention, or excessive swelling around the incision site.
What Is Open-Heart Surgery?
Open-heart surgery is a traditional method that involves the use of a large incision down the center of the chest to access the heart and treat various heart conditions, including blocked arteries, heart valve problems, and congenital defects.
How Is It Performed?
- The surgeon makes a 7-10 inch incision on the chest and the surgeon performs the necessary surgery.ย
- Once the surgery is completed, the surgeon removes the heart-lung machine and closes the heart.
Recovery time
The patients who undergo open-heart surgery may spend 7-10 days in the hospital. They may take about 3-6 months or longer after the surgery to return to normal activities. It leaves visible scars due to the larger incisions.
Pain and Management During Recovery
Managing pain after open-heart surgery is an important part of the recovery process. It may involve
- Use of stronger oral and topical analgesics, including lidocaine patches.
- ย Apply a warm cloth to the area.
Post Surgery Rehabilitation
Many patients after open-heart surgery may experience mood swings, lack of energy, inability to concentrate, and frustration after surgery.
The different post-surgery rehabilitation required by patients includes
- Physical therapy, including walking and exercises.
- Joining a peer support group
- Getting adequate rest and making lifestyle changes
Complications After Open-Heart Surgery
The long-term complications after open-heart surgery are arrhythmia, blood clots, tissue damage, pneumonia, constipation, and cognitive changes. If you observe any signs of swelling, infection, fever, fluid retention, or irregular heartbeat, consult your healthcare professional.
Recovery time: Robotic Cardiac Surgery Vs Open-Heart Surgery
| Robotic Heart Surgery | Open-Heart Surgery | |
| Recovery time | Shorter recovery time | Longer recovery time |
| Hospital stay post-surgery | About 3-5 days | About 7-10 days |
| Pain and discomfort | Less pain | More pain |
| Scarring | Smaller, less noticeable scars | Large, visible scars |
| Risk of infection | Lower risk of infection | Higher risk of infection due to larger incisions |
| Complications | Fewer complications | Higher chance of complications |
Table: Comparison between Robotic cardiac surgery and Open-heart surgery
Conclusion
In conclusion, robotic cardiac surgery offers a significantly faster recovery and fewer complications. However, open-heart surgery may remain a necessary option for many complex cases and patients should discuss their individual needs with healthcare professionals to determine the appropriate procedure.
If you have any queries regarding recovery time after heart surgeries, you may book a consultation at Heart360 Care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Robotic cardiac surgery may require about 3-5 hospital days while open-heart surgery may require a longer 7-10 days hospital stay.
Yes, you will have scars after robotic cardiac surgery, but they will be smaller due to the small incisions involved.
Yes, most patients may go back to work in a few weeks after robotic cardiac surgery after consulting your healthcare professional.
References
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-you-can-expect-as-you-recover-from-heart-surgery
- https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2020/05/08/08/11/robotic-cardiac-surgery-review
- https://columbiasurgery.org/heart/robotic-cardiac-surgery-columbia
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10915886/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/robotic-surgery/multimedia/vid-20198746
