Question for drs/nurses about open heart surgery??

my dad has blocked arteries, and this is going to be his 2nd open heart surgery in less than 2 years and my mom doesnt like to tell me anything even though im old enough to drive.

anyways, hes had over 5 heartattacks and has bad diabetes, and i want to know what the chances of him making it through this surgery are, and if the surgery works about how long he can live. im very close to my dad and want honest answers from doctors or people with experience. other info: lately hes been having alot of diabetic attacks, and chest problems with breathing and etc. also, his eyes are extremely swollen lately, and i think thats from the diabetes?

hi there

first of all, i presume you had already seen a cardiologist, and the necessary diagnostic studies had been done, like a coronary angiography? If the repeat coronary angiography says that there are significantly blocked arteries, which cannot be mended by angioplasty (or what we now call PCI- percutaneous coronary intervention) with stenting, then a repeat coronary bypass might be the only saving grace for your dad.
A repeat coronary bypass is harder to perform, and has a higher mortality and morbidity statistics. But on experienced hands, these problems can be overcome.

Our surgical team has already handled a number of repeat bypasses, and we havent encountered any significant problem. Am sure you have great doctors out there to handle the case.

hello i am a nurse and i think that the chances are good that he will make it out of surgery just fine..but there are risks that go along with any surgery..with a successful surgery he can live a long life, but i am wondering about his other health problems..it is hard to say without knowing more of his health history.

good luck to you and your family