Prior to surgery, Hamish will be seen by the surgeon in order to discuss the operation and potential risks and benefits. The surgeon tells him he will need a number of tests and investigations prior to the operation. In Hamish’s case this will be carried out as an in-patient. However most people follow an elective pathway for cardiac surgery and are admitted from home.
| Pre-assessment requirements for cardiac surgery | |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Rationale |
| Medication | Changes may be required to medication prior to surgery according to the surgeons preference. |
| Chest X-ray (CXR) and Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT”s) | CXR is important to identify underlying pathologies or infection prior to surgery. PFT’s are required to assess respiratory function as part of anaesthetic assessment. |
| Blood tests | A broad range of blood tests are required prior to cardiac surgery in order to establish baseline values preoperatively. Group & Save is included in case blood transfusion is required. |
| Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Screening | The purpose of screening for MRSA is to identify, manage and reduce risk of transmission of MRSA. Screening may include taking swabs from the nose, throat, axilla, groin or perineum. |
| Urine dipstick | This forms part of the overall general inpatient assessment. |
| Dental Assessment | Not a requirement for people awaitibg CABG, although a desirable part of overall good health and essential for those having valve surgery or the correction of congenital defects. |
| Other | Additional tests may include an ultrasound of the carotid arteries to better inform the risk of stroke and echocardiogram to assess the function of the heart valves and left ventricle. |
Hamish underwent a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) and made a good post-operative recovery. Click on Additional Information to see other aspects that may affect Hamish’s recovery.
Pulse point
It’s important to include patient and carers in discussions about care and on-going management. Within Scotland there are 3 cardiac surgery centres, these would be useful to direct your patients to for further information.
- NHS Grampian: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
- NHS Lothian: Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
- Golden Jubilee National Hospital
Investigations and interventions may vary according to unit and surgeon.
The module focus is on ACS and therefore avoided prolonged discussion regarding the actual operation itself. Post operative recovery from a cardiac operation can be explored in Module 5.
Page last reviewed: 09 Jun 2020
