Bentall procedure: Anyone had it done? What to expect?

Posted by partyon @partyon, Dec 23, 2023

Currently have it scheduled wondering how come is this procedure and any advice never had surgery before

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aortic Aneurysms Support Group.

Welcome @partyon, Surgery of any kind can be a little scary. I'm not familiar with the Bentall procedure but did find some information while we wait for others with experience to respond. @martiellen, @jdgreene2008, and @tazzy have mentioned having the procedure in other discussions and may be able to share more with you.

Here is a description of the procedure:
"What is the Bentall procedure?
Bentall procedures mainly involve the insertion of a mechanical valve conduit to replace the aortic root. It is regarded as a long-term solution, while it requires long-life anticoagulation (3,4). Aortic root dilatation with or without aortic valve dysfunction may cause spontaneous dissection and rupture of the aorta."
--- Bentall procedure as a lifesaving surgery: A single center experience
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9887084/.

Are you able to discuss your questions and concerns with your doctor or surgeon? Did they explain why you need the Bentall procedure?

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@johnbishop

Welcome @partyon, Surgery of any kind can be a little scary. I'm not familiar with the Bentall procedure but did find some information while we wait for others with experience to respond. @martiellen, @jdgreene2008, and @tazzy have mentioned having the procedure in other discussions and may be able to share more with you.

Here is a description of the procedure:
"What is the Bentall procedure?
Bentall procedures mainly involve the insertion of a mechanical valve conduit to replace the aortic root. It is regarded as a long-term solution, while it requires long-life anticoagulation (3,4). Aortic root dilatation with or without aortic valve dysfunction may cause spontaneous dissection and rupture of the aorta."
--- Bentall procedure as a lifesaving surgery: A single center experience
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9887084/.

Are you able to discuss your questions and concerns with your doctor or surgeon? Did they explain why you need the Bentall procedure?

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Just got everything scheduled last week for Feb so only know what I found on the internet and the Mayo site

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@partyon

Forgot to say for artoic aneurysm

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You might find the following discussion helpful:
--- Aortic Aneurysms – Introduce yourself & meet others: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/aortic-aneurysms-introduce-yourself-meet-others/

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I had it done in August of last year for an ascending aortic aneurysm and dilated aortic root. It was an open heart surgery so it involves opening your chest. You'll probably be put on a heart-lung machine to circulate blood since the blood flow through your aorta at the site of the surgery has to be cutoff. I don't remember anything about the surgery itself but was sedated for a day afterwards and woke up in the cardiac ICU unit the next day. I thought it was still the same day of the surgery lol. So the sedation was pretty powerful.

You won't feel anything during the procedure since you'll receive general anesthesia. But when you wake-up you'll probably be intubated and have sternal wires and tubes in your chest to drain any excess fluid. My tubes were taken out about 2 days after surgery if I recall. I was also doing assisted walks up and down the hallway on day 2 after the surgery. Each individual is different so some may need more or less time before they recover enough to walk with assistance.

My surgery was 8/9 and I left the hospital on 8/15. I was admitted on 8/4 because the CT scan revealed the size of my aneurysm as 8.8 cm. My admission was the same day as the CT scan since it was in a critical size.

There will be some pain in the early recovery days depending on your tolerance since you will have just had your chest cut open. It took me 6 weeks after the surgery before I was cleared to drive again.

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@jdgreene2008

I had it done in August of last year for an ascending aortic aneurysm and dilated aortic root. It was an open heart surgery so it involves opening your chest. You'll probably be put on a heart-lung machine to circulate blood since the blood flow through your aorta at the site of the surgery has to be cutoff. I don't remember anything about the surgery itself but was sedated for a day afterwards and woke up in the cardiac ICU unit the next day. I thought it was still the same day of the surgery lol. So the sedation was pretty powerful.

You won't feel anything during the procedure since you'll receive general anesthesia. But when you wake-up you'll probably be intubated and have sternal wires and tubes in your chest to drain any excess fluid. My tubes were taken out about 2 days after surgery if I recall. I was also doing assisted walks up and down the hallway on day 2 after the surgery. Each individual is different so some may need more or less time before they recover enough to walk with assistance.

My surgery was 8/9 and I left the hospital on 8/15. I was admitted on 8/4 because the CT scan revealed the size of my aneurysm as 8.8 cm. My admission was the same day as the CT scan since it was in a critical size.

There will be some pain in the early recovery days depending on your tolerance since you will have just had your chest cut open. It took me 6 weeks after the surgery before I was cleared to drive again.

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Thank you it was helpful

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I am having it done March 21st. I have an aneurysm that is 5.2cm, the Dr feels that since I am healthy and there are no issues as yet to get ahead of it. I appreciate Jdgreene2008 post since I am a bit anxious.

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@smarsili

I am having it done March 21st. I have an aneurysm that is 5.2cm, the Dr feels that since I am healthy and there are no issues as yet to get ahead of it. I appreciate Jdgreene2008 post since I am a bit anxious.

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I’m right there with you and will be praying for you as mine is 5.0. Where are you having the surgery?

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Hi
I have had to have this done twice. The first operation was botched horribly. I flew out to the Cleveland Clinic for my redo surgery two years later and everything went very well. Dont get too twisted about the anesthesia or the surgery. The technology today is incredible. You will feel weak at first but it improves steadily, I have strong faith in God and he was with me the entire time. I asked for a Edwards bovine valve and a valsalva aortic graft. These are important to ask for, they are the best you can get so jot that down!I will pray for both of you and look forward to being well and getting on with life. Its a big surgery to wrap your mind around but if I could make it through twice, you will make it through your first and only! God bless you
Tom

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Hi FJ, Tom,

I am having it done at the Mayo Clinic. So far everything that I have experienced there is top notch. very thorough and the staff is very outgoing.

Tom My aneurysm is actually of the Sinus of the Valsalva. I have written down the Valve and graft info.

Thank you for your input, it is very helpful.
FJ when are you having this done?
God Bless you both
Steve

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