Valve replacement/ aortic aneurysm repair surgery

[Ben Smith]

I actually have allot of questions, but I will stick with the one that is on my mind the most. I am to have the above mentioned surgery in the early part of next month and am a bit concerned about the storries I've heard of people waking up during the procedures. Obviously, they are on a paralytic drug as well and they can't even blink an eye to let someone know they are awake. I actually know a gentleman who woke up during his open heart surgery.
What are the steps taking to assure that if I wake up, the doctors will know? How do they monitor that?
One more, what is the average length of surgeries like mine? I.E. How long will I be under?

[Phil LeDoux]

Dear Ben,

I had a so called bentall procedure (aortic valve replacement with replacement of a part of the aorta) on friday 7 juli 2000 and I am home already! The progress I've made every day is really incredible! I still have some pain, but a good painkiller can help. This morning I went out for a walk and i feel great.
You shouldn't worry about anaesthetics. Modern medicine has very high standards. Never listen to crazy stories. My surgery took 5,5 hours and I am home after just 7 days in hospital! (I'm a 22 year old male)
Good luck and trust your specialists !!

[suzielee]

A related discussion, death in anuerism repair was started.

[pat84]

A related discussion, Bicuspid Valve  disease was started.

[Ben, Ohio to Phil]

What was the reason of your surgery?
I won't take up space here, e-mail me.
***@****

[Ben, Ohio to Phil]

What was the reason of your surgery?
I won't take up space here, e-mail me.
***@****

[Larry]

Ben I had a AAA last year at Mayo hospital. I never woke up and sure glad I didnt that the last thing I would have wanted.  I was in the hospital for a total of 7 days of which 12 hrs was in ICU.  I was running a slight fever so I had to stay a bit longer then had told me it would be from 5 -7 days.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

You will be closely monitored by an anesthesiologist who will be sitting next to your face. Additionally, your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and heart pressures will be measured continuously; if you were in pain or discomfort (from waking up) these parameters would reflect that and let your anesthesiologist know to deliver more medication. Your surgery would probably take about 5 hours.