Post-operative bleeding
After surgery, you may experience bleeding in the chest cavity or pericardium. This is usually not alarming and can be controlled with anticoagulant medication. In some cases, a second operation (revision) is required to stop the bleeding or remove blood clots. This surgery typically has no impact on your recovery, although an extended stay in the intensive care unit may sometimes be necessary.
Rhythm and conduction disorders
In the first few days after surgery, you may experience a heart rhythm or conduction disorder. This can cause symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or a sense of restlessness.
The heart rhythm usually returns to normal after a few days, with or without medication. Occasionally, a pacemaker may be needed to support the heart. This support is generally temporary, and no further treatment is required. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to implant a permanent pacemaker.
Pneumonia
Chest surgery affects your breathing. You may tend to breathe more shallowly or suppress coughing due to pain around the surgical site. This can lead to mucus accumulation in the airways, increasing the risk of pneumonia. Breathing and physical exercises are crucial for preventing this complication.
Pleural effusion
Pleural effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall. Normally, only a small amount of fluid is present. After heart surgery, wound fluid can build up in this area, compressing the lung and causing shortness of breath, coughing, and/or chest pain. If the fluid does not resolve with medication, a pleural puncture will be necessary.
Kidney failure
Heart surgery can affect kidney function. In most cases, kidney function recovers spontaneously. However, temporary or permanent dialysis may be required, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney impairment.
Wound problem
Although rare, wound healing problems or infections can sometimes occur. These issues usually resolve with local wound care, but antibiotic therapy may occasionally be needed. In exceptional cases, surgical intervention is required, resulting in a prolonged hospital stay and/or follow-up consultations.
Acute confusion
Heart surgery can trigger acute confusion (delirium). This condition affects consciousness and normal brain function, causing disorientation and loss of contact with the surroundings. Typical symptoms include cognitive issues (disorientation, altered perception, confusion, memory problems), attention deficits, physical agitation and restlessness, delusions, and hallucinations. This condition usually resolves within a few days, with or without medication. Delirium can be a distressing experience for both the patient and their loved ones.
Stroke
During or after surgery, the blood supply to part of the brain can be disrupted. This is often caused by a clot blocking a cerebral blood vessel, leading to oxygen deprivation and brain damage (cerebral infarction). Prompt recognition and treatment of a stroke are crucial to prevent lasting neurological damage, such as paralysis or speech difficulties.
Death
The risk of death is very low (< 3%) and significantly lower than the European average. However, death can still occur during or after surgery, as no surgical procedure or anaesthesia is entirely risk-free.