Reoperative Surgery

Dr Mathur has a special interest in reoperative cardiac surgery and is one of the most experienced surgeons in this field in Sydney having performed over 300 reoperations.

Reoperative or redo cardiac surgery is where patients require a second, third, or fourth heart operation. This is becoming more common as patients live longer, as the risks of surgery decrease and because of the survival benefit of the reoperation.

If patients with coronary artery bypass grafts develop new coronary artery lesions not amenable to stenting, then reoperation is an option.  Repaired valves have excellent outcomes however up to 10% may require a reoperation. Tissue valves have excellent durability especially in the elderly. If they wear out they can be replaced with low risk.  Mechanical valves rarely require a reoperation. Further aortic enlargement elsewhere after aneurysm or dissection surgery can be managed by endovascular stenting or reoperation to prevent rupture. 

Reoperations have to be carefully planned and designed to eliminate hazards and reduce risks. The operations are safer now due to multidisciplinary planning, preoperative imaging and advances in techniques and technologies.