Question 1

What is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)?

Accepted Answer

CABG is a surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart by creating new routes for blood to bypass blocked coronary arteries using a vessel graft from the leg, chest, or arm.

Question 2

How long is the recovery period after heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most patients stay in hospital for 4–7 days and return to light activities within 2–4 weeks. Full recovery can take 6–12 weeks depending on the procedure and individual health.

Question 3

What are the risks associated with cardiac surgery?

Accepted Answer

Risks vary by patient and procedure, but can include bleeding, infection, stroke, arrhythmias, and risk from anesthesia. We perform thorough assessments to minimize these risks.

Question 4

Do you offer minimally invasive cardiac surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When suitable, minimally invasive techniques may reduce pain, shorten hospital stay, and improve cosmetic outcomes compared to traditional open-chest approaches.

Question 5

What is Video‑Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)?

Accepted Answer

VATS is a minimally invasive technique using a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions between the ribs to perform procedures such as lung biopsies, lobectomies, and pleural surgery. It typically results in less pain and faster recovery than open surgery.

Question 6

How long is the hospital stay after lung surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most patients stay 2–5 days depending on the procedure, overall health, and whether the operation was done via VATS or an open approach. Early mobilization and breathing exercises help speed recovery.

Question 7

Will I need a chest tube?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a chest tube is commonly placed temporarily after thoracic surgery to drain air and fluid. It’s removed once the lung has re‑expanded and drainage is minimal.

Question 8

What symptoms should prompt me to call after discharge?

Accepted Answer

Contact us if you develop fever, increasing breathlessness, chest pain not controlled with medication, excessive wound redness or discharge, or persistent air leak symptoms such as continuous bubbling from the drain site.

Question 9

What is Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)?

Accepted Answer

ETS is a minimally invasive procedure that interrupts specific sympathetic nerves responsible for excessive sweating of the hands (and sometimes underarms). Tiny incisions are used under the armpit, and most patients notice immediate dryness after surgery.

Question 10

What is compensatory sweating?

Accepted Answer

Compensatory sweating is increased sweating in other body areas (such as the back or thighs) after ETS. It varies in intensity among patients; most find it mild to moderate and acceptable compared with pre‑operative symptoms.

Question 11

How quickly can I return to normal activities?

Accepted Answer

Many patients return to school or desk‑based work within 2–3 days and resume light exercise within a week. Avoid heavy lifting for about 1–2 weeks or as advised.

Question 12

Are there non‑surgical options?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Options include topical agents, iontophoresis, oral medications, and botulinum toxin injections. We discuss these alternatives and help you choose the most suitable treatment.

Question 13

What is the Nuss procedure?

Accepted Answer

The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive operation for pectus excavatum where a curved bar is inserted behind the sternum to elevate the chest. The bar stays in place for about 2–3 years and is then removed in a short day‑surgery procedure.

Question 14

How is pain managed after pectus surgery?

Accepted Answer

We use modern multimodal pain control, and when appropriate, intercostal nerve cryoablation to reduce pain and speed recovery. Most patients are able to move comfortably within a few days.

Question 15

Who is a candidate for surgery?

Accepted Answer

Candidates include individuals with significant chest wall deformity causing symptoms (such as breathlessness, exercise intolerance, or discomfort) or psychosocial impact. Evaluation includes physical exam and sometimes CT scan or lung/heart tests.

Question 16

When can I return to sports?

Accepted Answer

Light activity usually resumes within 2–4 weeks. Contact sports and heavy lifting are restricted for a longer period and will be guided during follow‑up.

Question 17

What congenital heart defects do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We manage a wide range—from simple septal defects (ASD/VSD) to complex conditions such as Tetralogy of Fallot and single‑ventricle physiology requiring staged procedures like the Fontan.

Question 18

How do you prepare families for surgery?

Accepted Answer

We provide detailed counseling, age‑appropriate education, and a multidisciplinary plan with pediatric cardiology, anesthesia, and ICU teams. Parents receive clear instructions for pre‑operative fasting, medications, and what to bring on the day of surgery.

Question 19

What is the typical hospital course after congenital heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Children often spend time in the ICU for monitoring, followed by step‑down care. Length of stay varies by procedure, ranging from a few days to over a week for more complex repairs.

Question 20

Will my child need long‑term follow‑up?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lifelong cardiology follow‑up is important to monitor heart function, valves, rhythm, and overall development, especially after complex repairs.

心胸外科
专科医生

新加坡

心胸外科
专科医生

新加坡

Dr. Loh Yee Jim

Dr. Loh Yee Jim

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最新健康文章

心胸外科专科医生新加坡

心胸外科专科医生新加坡

Dr. Loh Yee Jim

Dr. Loh Yee Jim

我们的外科专长领域

关注 Dr. Loh Yee Jim

交互式心脏探索

我们的专科服务

成人心脏外科手术

主要手术：

成人心脏外科手术

主要手术：

Dr. Loh Yee Jim 简介

教育

曾任职务

专业认可

社交媒体集锦

首次就诊须知

当前用药清单

联系信息

发送留言给我们

Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre

最新健康文章

心胸外科
专科医生

新加坡

心胸外科
专科医生

新加坡

我们的外科
专长领域