What is Atrial Myxoma?
Atrial myxoma excision, also called myxoma tumor surgery, is a surgery that is usually done to treat benign tumors of the heart, which are typically located in the atria. Atrial myxoma is a common, benign heart tumor often asymptomatic. The removal of these objects is necessary as they can potentially cause heart failure, death, or stroke, depending on their size and location. Patients may not realize they have it until they undergo an echo scan, leading to an incidental diagnosis. These myxoma resections are usually performed by the cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons. Myxoma surgery can be approached in different ways, such as open surgery (median sternotomy), minimally invasive myxoma surgery, or atrial myxoma robotic surgery (robotic-assisted).
| Procedure Name | Myxoma Excision |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Open or Minimally invasive |
| Type of Anesthesia | General Anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 1-2 hours |
| Recovery Duration | Few weeks to few months |
Myxoma Excision: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Preparation for Myxoma Removal
A cardiothoracic surgeon will discuss the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and medications. They will perform a physical examination and order diagnostic tests like an echocardiogram, an ECG, a chest X-ray, and blood tests. Doctors provide specific instructions regarding diet and surgical considerations prior to the surgery.
During the Myxoma Treatment
Myxoma excision surgery, performed under general anesthesia, involves small incisions in the chest wall, usually between the ribs. Robotic-assisted surgery requires several small incisions for robotic arms and a thoracoscope, while minimally invasive video-assisted surgery (MIVATS) utilizes a thoracoscope through one incision and other instruments through separate small incisions. The myxoma tumor is then carefully dissected from the heart tissue for complete removal.
After the procedure
After removing the myxoma tumor, the surgeon closes incisions with sutures or steri-strips, and the patient is transferred to a recovery room for monitoring vital signs. Chest tubes may be inserted to drain residual blood or air.
Atrial Myxoma Recovery
The open sternotomy procedure is invasive and takes two to three months for complete recovery. Patients stay in the hospital for five to six days and are restricted for six weeks from lifting. A minimally invasive alternative offers faster recovery, less pain, and fewer wound infections, with patients typically returning to normal within three or four weeks, compared to the three months required for a sternotomy.
Post-procedure care
Post-procedure care involves-
• Pain medications for discomfort.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities as per the doctor’s advice.
• Maintaining incision hygiene.
• Follow-up appointments for recovery monitoring.
• In some cases, thin tubes may be inserted in order to drain the chest fluid or air for a few days.
Benefits of Myxoma Excision at Yashoda Hospitals
- Minimal Hospitalizations
- Minimally Invasive
- No Blood Loss
- Quick Recovery
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