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Question:
I've been treated for Hodgkins. What should I ask the surgeon about my upcoming mitral valve surgery?
In 1974 I was treated for Hodgkins Disease with radiation and chemo. Now 36 yrs later I have severe mitral valve regurgitation. My research indicates this may be a result of my radiation, since the tumor was on the left side of my neck. I am a 48 yr old female. Surgery has been advised. What else should I know or ask the surgeon? Are there other issues that will arise?
submitted by Jan from Mississippi on 3/7/10
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute surgeon, Denton A. Cooley, MD
A major problem arises in patients who have undergone irradiation of the chest wall. If surgery is undertaken, the incision should be selected to avoid the irradiated area. Perhaps a lateral thoracotomy could be considered instead of the standard sternotomy. With reference to your previous treatment for Hodgkins, in my opinion this is the predominant issue to anticipate.
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Updated March 2010
