At a glance
- What it is
- An operation that uses healthy blood vessels to go around blocked heart arteries
- How it is done
- Under general anaesthetic; usually open-heart surgery through a cut down the middle of the chest, sometimes keyhole surgery
- Operation time
- Usually 3 to 6 hours
- Hospital stay
- Usually about a week, including time in intensive care
- Recovery
- Full recovery usually takes 2 to 3 months; many people are back to normal activities after about 6 weeks
- Does it cure heart disease
- No, it does not cure heart disease
Why it is done
Coronary heart disease happens when the arteries that supply the heart become narrowed or blocked. Bypass surgery is considered when medicines are not enough, when the risk of a heart attack is high, or when angioplasty is not suitable. It can relieve symptoms such as angina and help prevent heart attacks.
How it is done
- The operation is done in hospital under a general anaesthetic.
- It is usually open-heart surgery through a large cut down the middle of the chest; sometimes keyhole surgery is used.
- Healthy blood vessels, usually from the leg or chest, are joined on to go around the narrowed or blocked artery.
- During the operation the heart is usually connected to a heart-lung machine.
- The whole operation usually takes 3 to 6 hours.
Recovery
After the operation you are usually looked after in intensive care for a while, and the whole hospital stay is usually about a week. Full recovery takes 2 to 3 months, and many people are back to normal activities after about 6 weeks. Your surgeon will tell you when you can drive, lift things or return to work. Medicines and lifestyle habits stay important afterwards.
Risks
Like any major operation, it carries risks. The NHS lists:
- Wound infection
- Bleeding
- An irregular heartbeat
- Kidney problems
- Memory problems
- A heart attack or stroke during or soon after the operation
Your surgeon will explain how these apply to you.
Alternatives
In some cases angioplasty with a stent, a simpler procedure, is an option, and medicines are part of treatment too. Your heart doctor decides which is suitable.
How to think about cost
Costs differ between hospitals and depend on things like the type of operation, the number of vessels treated, the room type and the length of stay. Before you decide, ask the hospital for a written estimate that says what is and is not included (for example tests, medicines, ICU days and follow-up visits), and compare more than one hospital.
Your next step
Heart bypass surgery at Ship International Hospital
See the package options and how Shastho takes your request to the hospital.
See details and bookCommon questions
- Is bypass surgery the same as open-heart surgery?
- Bypass surgery (CABG) is usually done as open-heart surgery, through a cut down the middle of the chest, although keyhole surgery is sometimes used.
- How long is the hospital stay?
- Usually about a week, including time in intensive care.
- Does bypass surgery cure heart disease?
- No. The NHS says it does not cure heart disease, so medicines and lifestyle changes still matter.
- How much does it cost in Bangladesh?
- Costs vary by hospital and by the details of the operation and stay. Ask each hospital for a written estimate of what is included, and compare more than one.