Incision Decision: Ribs or Sternum?

[deek]

I'm a 35 year old female due to have MVR on March 20th. My surgeon has given me 99% chance of repair and gave me the option of going through the ribs or chest (partial sternotomy). Said he's equally comfortable with both and that it was my decision. What would you do? What are the advantages/disadvantages of both (besides the obvious, which is cosmetic)? Thanks so much!

Dee

 

[Freddie]

WOW - you have a choice. I can't talk about the advantages or disadvantages. One would only assume the healing time would be shorter and not as much discomfort by going through the ribs.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Actually, from what I've heard / read, the short term Pain is Greater via the Ribs, BUT, the healing time is shorter. There seems to be a wide variation in rib pain from patient to patient. Quality of Pain Control plays a Major Role.

Do a Search on VR.com (see the blue line at the top of the page) for "Minimally invasive", "Thoracotomy", "rib" or "Ribs" and you will find links to posts that discuss these experiences.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[sylviayasgur]

hi dee,
my dad had one of each (avr and mvr repair); the first was through his sternum, the second was through his rib. he certainly found the second much much easier. he was also about 6 years older (first surgery at 67, second at 73), but he's a young and active (big golfer) 75 year old today.
dr. colvin did his minimally invasive repair... he was a genius.
good luck and be well,
sylvia

 

[cp172]

I had MVR (minimal invasive) and was back at work/driving in three weeks. The pain was far less than I expected. Best of luck to you.

 

[lb151]

I have had the mini invasive procedure 2 times. I can tell you the pain is less and recovery seems to be faster. It is the damn chest tubes that cause the most pain (in my opinion)
good luck whatever you choose

 

[DebbyA]

Unless I'm missing something, here's how some of us answered this question last week:
http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29513

 

[deek]

Unless I'm missing something, here's how some of us answered this question last week:
http://www.valvereplacement.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29513

I was simply hoping for more insight here as I approach my surgery date. Sorry to ask the same question twice, DebbyA, but as most of you know the weeks prior to surgery gives rise to many uncertainties and this is the only place I have to turn. Thanks to those who shared their experiences with me.

 

[catwoman]

I had a sternotomy; my husband had a thoracotomy with his MV repair. I was in worse condition pre-op, so my recovery was prolonged. John sped through his recovery, and he has a low pain threshhold. He was also 9 years older than I was when I had my surgery.
His surgeon told me that if I ever need another VR (heaven forbid!!!!! ), he could do it between the ribs. I would seriously consider it for myself.