Bentall Procedure: Purpose, Procedure, Risk and Recovery

A Bentall procedure is a surgical treatment to assist address aortic issues. The doctors and other staff repair the aortic root and aortic valve in this surgery. It is a kind of cardiac surgery involving graft replacement and coronary artery reimplantation. It is majorly followed in all the hospitals that perform aortic root replacements. Mostly mechanical valves get fixed to facilitate the function of the heart.  The aortic valve located at the entrance of the aorta (oxygenated blood vessel) and heart prevents the backflow of blood into the heart. 

Why is the Bentall Procedure performed?

The problems of the aortic valve can be due to many medical problems. Marfan Syndrome - is a genetic condition in which connective tissue is not fully formed. In the latter, they can develop an aneurysm in the ascending aorta.  However, some other problems that we need to know the underlying cause of are : 

• Hereditary syndrome
• Physical trauma
• Infection
• Autoimmune Disease
• Congenital Health Problems
• General Degeneration

Also, Read about CT Scan: Procedure, Risks, Cost, Benefits, And Side Effects. An aneurysm can develop due to any of these conditions. It is important to reduce the chances; nevertheless, it will lead to major cardiac complications. It will lead to a life-threatening condition due to an artery burst. We can prevent this condition by performing a Bentall procedure where the doctor repairs the affected area.  It would help if you looked for indications that you could go for a Bentall procedure, are

• Aortic Aneurysm 
• Aortic Regurgitation
• Aortic Dissection 

What happened during the Bentall surgery procedures? 

Some preparations must be followed before, during, and after surgery. You cannot tell your doctor to do surgery immediately until it is an emergency. This is because the risks associated with the Bentall procedure are quite serious. Let's find out what you need to do, or your doctor may advise you. 

1. Two Weeks Before Surgery 

#This is a preparation routine that we need to fit the patient into the criteria for surgery. 

• Provide complete medical history to your doctor. 
• Even what herbs you are taking at home. 
• Tell the history of diabetes, blood pressure, and thyroid consciously. 

Prepare your home where you need to provide all the facilities at home. For example 

• Caretakers must be appointed, or an appropriate time must be made available for the family to care for the sick. 
• Avail of all the material at home. 
• Prepare meals 
• Cleaning and Hygiene 
• Shower

Transportation should be present at any time. In an emergency, the patient may not have problems arranging the vehicles.  Home tests are also advisable if you can not frequently visit the hospital.  Also, Read What is Life Expectancy with the Blocked Carotid Artery?

2. A Day Before Surgery

It would help if you got ready for a couple of things after the prescription. For examples

• All the test reports present in your device and a copy of them 
• An anesthetist should do PAC to examine you thoroughly 
• It would be best if you were completely billed orally as ordered by the doctor. 
• Part preparation should be done. 
• Ensure you pass the stool. 

3. Surgery Day 

A few things are common for ale surgeries. In the Bentall procedure, you may notice all points that are given below: 

• Doctors do not allow you to drink and eat just after the surgery. It takes time. 
• You may need antibiotics, prophylaxis needed on the day or surgery. 
• Will be provided with antibacterial soap to get a shower. 
• OT gown is mandatory to wear.

4. During Procedure

Staff will transfer you by marking the band with all reports and films in the OT room. You will be in general anesthesia, which an anesthesiologist will provide.  When you are in a deep sleep: 

• The doctor will start removing the affected parts of the aorta 
• For some time, they will remove coronary veins
• Following that, they will place artificial grafts to build a valve. 
• The attachment will start after the replacement of the aortic valve. 

Also, Read All About Liver Transplant Procedure.

What are the Potential Risks Associated with Bentall Procedure?

Every surgery is inherent a potential risk. So same as with Bentall Procedure. Sometimes it becomes so severe that maybe a person can die too. The list of risks is given below: 

• Irregular heart rhythm
• Low cardiac output
• Stroke
• Internal Bleeding
• Heart attack
• Infection - pneumonia
• Atelectasis 
• Aortic Aneurysm 
• Kidney Failure
• Mechanical Ventilation Complications 

Recovery after Bentall surgery - 

Recovery is one of the most crucial steps for surgery as you are prone to many infections. Your immune system gets low to accept the changes in your body. If you find any problem, you can contact your nurse. For long-term care, you need to look for some pointers described below. 

• Healing lesions and surgical sites are the top priority. 
• Check for bowel function 
• Reduce the inflammation and fever
• Ease the pain of the patient
• Physiotherapy
• Mobility
• Breathing exercise
• Control your blood pressure to cease the future risk.
• Control Glycemic control in your body.
• Quit smoking
• Avoid alcohol intake
• Regular blood check-ups are mandatory.

Frequently Asked Questions -

Final Takeaway - 

The anatomy and physiology of humans play a crucial role in performing the Bentall procedure. Sometimes a few conditions can also arise that our doctor does not advise you to go for surgery.  From the above, we learned this is not a small surgery. It needs time to recover. The complications are quite severe and lifelong. If your doctor has advised going for a Bentall procedure and you are searching for a second opinion, you can also book a visit to a consultant at Manipal Hospitals Gurgaon through Credihealth.