Bentall Procedure: Causes, Symptoms and Recovery

A Bentall procedure is a surgery conducted to correct problems associated with the largest artery in the body, the aorta. The aorta carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Thus, any problem with this important artery may affect the rest of the body and cause serious complications.

A Bentall operation is conducted to correct problems associated with the aorta. Some of the problems that are resolved with the help of a Bentall surgery include the following:

Marfan’s syndrome: It is a congenital disorder characterized by weakening of the aortic wall
Aortic aneurysm: It is characterized by the widening of the aortic valve
Aortic dissection: It refers to the tearing of the inner layer of the aorta
Aortic regurgitation: It is a condition in which the aortic valve is not able to close properly

A few weeks before the Bentall surgery, you can expect your doctor to tell you to stop a few medications. Around the same time, you can make a few preparations at home to plan your arrival after the surgery and accordingly arrange for a transport as well. You will be asked to undergo a few tests, including a chest X-ray, a few blood tests, an ECG, and an ultrasound the blood vessels that supply to the brain through the neck (Carotid Doppler test).

Just before the day of the Bentall procedure, you will be asked to take laxatives to clear your bowel, if required. You need to stop eating and drinking from midnight before the day of the surgery.

You will be taken to an operation theatre on a trolley or a wheelchair and asked to lie down on a table.
The anaesthetist will administer general anaesthesia to you.
Once you are in a relaxed state, the surgeon makes an incision and removed the affected part of the aorta and the aortic valve.
The coronary arteries are also temporarily removed.
The affected parts of the aorta are replaced with an artificial aortic graft that has a new valve attached to it.
Two holes are created in the artificial graft and the coronary arteries are attached to it.
The incision is closed with the help of sutures and staples.

Bentall procedure recovery time varies from one patient to the other. It actually depends on the overall health of the patient and how successfully the procedure was conducted. Immediately after the procedure, you can expect to spend a day or two in the intensive care unit (ICU). During your stay in the ICU, you will be connected to machines that monitor your vital signs such as breathing, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure.

You should take time to recover well after the surgery. Do not rush things and start with the normal routine as soon as you are shifted back home. You are likely to spend a few days in a normal hospital room before discharge. The surgeon will monitor your progress and give a green signal for discharge at the right time. You must take care of the wound and stitches once you get home. Additionally, make a note of any discomfort, palpitations, pain, fever, blurred vision, and poor appetite and inform it to your doctor. It may take around six to eight weeks to regain normal mobility. Take help from a nurse or a family member while lying down or standing up. You will be taught a safer technique to roll and sit in bed. Remember to follow whatever your doctor suggests you to minimize your recovery duration.