Bypass Surgery - Fraud or Resolution?

Heart bypass surgery is increasingly used in the treatment of coronary heart disease, yet some believe it is unwarranted. A few believe it is not only unwarranted, but is in fact a swindle - a racket to make doctors rich.

Don’t get bypass surgery; it is fraud, they say. Those who say it, however, have usually not experienced it. Or, having experienced bypass surgery, they have failed to follow their doctor’s instructions and have experienced complications.

Don’t Get Bypass Surgery; It Is Fraud?

My husband had coronary artery bypass surgery. In the 15 years prior to his surgery, he had been advised four times to have it or face death. During those 15 years, we read numerous reports, descriptions, and medical articles on bypass surgery. We learned about the risks - and there are definite risks. We learned about the benefits - and there are benefits to be had.

The difficulty came in trying to determine which outweighed the other: risks or benefits.

Benefits of Bypass Surgery

The benefits of bypass surgery were that he would no longer have the chest pain (angina pectoris). Chest pain had kept him from many normal activities, including walking more than 10 to 15 feet at a time. Bypass surgery would allow blood to flow freely, supplying the heart with needed oxygen. He would be able to return to walking, and most normal daily activities.

Risks of Bypass Surgery

The risks of by pass surgery were frightening, and included at least the following dire consequences:

* 3 to 4 percent chance of dying as a result of bypass surgery
* 5 to 10 percent chance of dying of a heart attack during or following bypass surgery
* 1 to 2 percent chance of dying of a stroke during or following bypass surgery
* 5 percent chance of additional surgery due to bleeding
* lung complications
* chest infection

Did He Listen to Nay Sayers?

Don’t get bypass surgery; it is fraud, said some alternative medicine voices. My husband did not listen. After 15 years of pain, worry, and debate with himself, he decided to have the recommended bypass surgery. That was 7 years ago. He underwent the surgery, and recuperated quickly and fully.

The result? He can do things he had not done for years. He no longer carries nitroglycerin pills or spray. He no longer wears a nitroglycerin patch. He walks where he wants to, and enjoys life.

Fraud or Resolution of a Problem?

Is bypass surgery fraud or the resolution of a problem? Judging by personal experience, bypass surgery is not a fraud. There are fraudulent surgeons in every corner of the globe, and one such may fail to perform the surgery effectively. There are age differences that affect bypass surgery. The body sustains any surgery better at a younger age. A stronger heart muscle and lack of other medical issues are also factors. Bypass surgery itself is not, however, a fraud.

CAUTION: This information is presented for educational purposes only. Please discuss bypass surgery with your physician, research it carefully, and get all the facts from licensed health care providers.