Dr. Isaac Gana
Cardiology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I want a second opinion for an operation shortly to be done on my 88-year-old mother. She has gallstones and a few attacks that ended up in the hospital. Last time she had the worst pain. She saw the anesthetist the previous week and was told that it would be "difficult" and that if problems arose with her heart during the keyhole surgery, they might have to do open heart surgery. Considering her age and the possible bad outcome, is there any other way to remove the gallstones? I have read about tablets that dissolve stones and some sound wave therapy, but they do not sound like they are very successful most of the time. Would you suggest going ahead with the surgery? I am just worried about her health. Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand how worried you are about your mother. Considering her age, surgery is always a high risk, and we do not advise only in cases where it is the only option. So why not discuss the possibility of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with her doctors? This is a minimally invasive surgery where only a small cut is made, and instruments are passed with the help of a camera. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response. My mother is going to have a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. I realize that not doing the surgery is not an option, but I am concerned about her heart problems. Still, I fear that she will not cope with the anesthetic, and from what the anesthetist said, it sounds like they are not very confident of a good outcome either. Should I take her to another hospital? Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is possible, but it depends on her general condition. At her age, it is quite challenging to move from one place to another because it will put more stress on her heart. You should speak first to the attending doctors about that, but do not make them feel you do not have confidence in them. Thank you.
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Cardiology
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