Definition
Definition
Cardiac tumor resection is the removal of a tumor from the heart. The resection will also remove some of the healthy tissue surrounding the tumor.
Reconstruction surgery may also be needed if a large area is affected.
Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
Tumors can interfere with the surrounding healthy tissue. This can lead to heart failure, blockage of blood flow, problems with the heart valves, or blood clots.
Benign tumors can often be treated successfully with just surgery.
The surgery may be only part of the treatment of cancerous tumors. Treatment for these may also involve chemo- and/or radiation therapy.
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Damage to the heart, lungs, or other organs
- Excess bleeding
- Blood clots
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia such as lightheadedness, low blood pressure, or wheezing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Infection
- Soreness in throat
Factors that may increase the risk of problems include:
- Smoking or alcohol use disorder
- Chronic conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes
- Obesity
Talk to your doctor about these risks before the procedure.
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
- Your doctor will ask about your family and medical history. You will also have a physical exam and blood tests.
- An electrocardiogram will be done to examine your heart’s electrical activity.
- Your doctor will also need images of the heart and tumor. These may be taken with:
- Echocardiogram
- Chest x-ray
- MR angiography
- Chest CT scan
- Talk to your doctor about:
- Any allergies you may have.
- Any medications, herbs, or supplements you take.
- You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the surgery.
- Know what paperwork you will need to bring with you.
- Do not eat or drink the night before your surgery.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia—you will be asleep during the procedure
Description of the Procedure
A breathing tube will be placed in your throat. Next, an incision will be made on the skin of the chest. A special device will help open the ribs to expose the heart. You will be connected to a heart-lung machine. This machine will take over for the heart and pump blood to your body during surgery. The heart can then be stopped so the surgery can begin.
The tumor and some surrounding tissue will be removed. The doctor will remove as little tissue as possible without leaving tumor tissue behind. Repairs or reconstruction will be done to make sure the heart can still work properly. Once the repairs are complete, the heart lung machine will be removed and your heart will start beating again. Your heart will be observed to make sure it is working properly.
Wires will be used to help close the ribs. The wire will support the breastbone as it heals. The skin will be closed with stitches or staples. A bandage will be applied over the incision.
How Long Will it Take?
About 3-5 hours
How Much Will it Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
Average Hospital Stay
You will be in the hospital for several days. The exact length of stay will depend on your surgery and recovery rate.
Post-procedure Care
At the Hospital
The first part of recovery will occur in an intensive care or coronary care unit. There will be several tubes and wires attached to you so your vital signs can be monitored.
You will be given IV fluids initially. You will gradually start with liquids, then progress to your regular diet.
The hospital staff may ask you to:
- Move around in bed. It will help circulate the blood.
- Increase your activity level each day.
- Take deep breaths and cough. This will help keep your lungs clear.
- Wear elastic stockings to promote blood circulation.
At Home
To help your recovery once you get home:
- Follow instructions on caring for the wound to prevent infection
- Track your temperature and weight as directed
- Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling anything weighing more than 10 pounds
- Have someone help you around the house
Ask your doctor:
- When it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water
- When you can go back to work and start to drive again
- When you can resume physical and sexual activity
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
- Pain that cannot be controlled with the medications you’ve been given
- Leg swelling
- Fever
- Symptoms of depression that last 2 weeks
- Lightheadedness that leads to fainting
Call for emergency medical services right away for:
Signs of a heart attack:
- Squeezing sensation or pressure in the chest
- Radiating pain in one or both arms, neck, back, or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
Signs of a stroke:
- Drooping or numbness in the face
- Arm weakness
- Difficulty speaking
If you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation http://www.heartandstroke.com
References:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated April 25, 2011. Accessed February 11, 2013.
Caring for someone after heart surgery. American Heart Association website. Available at:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/CaringforSomeoneAfterHeartSurgery/Caring-for-Someone-After-Heart-Surgery_UCM_301857_Article.jsp
Updated December 28, 2011. Accessed February 11, 2013. Explore heart surgery.
Explore heart surgery. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hs
Updated March 23, 2012. Accessed February 11, 2013.
Paraskevaidis IA, Michalakeas CA, et al. Cardiac tumors. ISRN Oncol. 2011. [Epub ahead of print].
Reardon MJ, Walkes JC, et al. Therapy insight: malignant primary cardiac tumors. Nat Clin Pract Cardiovasc Med. 2006;3(10):548-553.
Warning signs of heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest. American Heart Association website. Available at:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/911-Warnings-Signs-of-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_305346_SubHomePage.jsp
Accessed February 11, 2013.