Endocarditis x3 and surgical risk comparisons

Posted By Julia on January 14, 1999 at 14:59:02:







This is quite the interesting forum. I'm glad I found it.
My question(s) pertain to my father. He is currently in the hospital with endocarditis (3rd time this has happened) and he has several complications with it this time - burst brain abscess, septicemia, meningitis. The doctors tell my mother that the endocarditis is the main culprit. He was hospitalized for this each time and was given IV antibiotics and a home care regimen as well when discharged the first 2 times. I believe he may have had scarlet or rheumatic fever as a child - but I am not certain of this.
Now that he is regaining his strength, they have mentioned to her that two valves of the heart are infected this time, and that surgery would be a good idea for him. My mother is wondering if surgery at this time is a good idea considering his neurological state. The abscess was in the left frontal lobe and there are currently marked effects from it bursting. However, it could also be temporary effects since he also had meningitis. Keeping that in mind, what are the risks for patients with 3x history of endocarditis that DO NOT have valve repair/replacement surgery as compared to patients who DO have the surgery? (For that matter, ANY patients with endocarditis who have had the surgery recommended - no matter how many times they have had the endocarditis)
I would really appreciate some information on this. I can't find this kind of comparison anywhere.