Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/8/2008

Question
I'm not sure who to ask this question to, because of my heart,{all 4 valves leak} I need antibiotics before surgery, but I'm also stage 4 chronic kidney failure. I'm having surgery on the 10th, which will be the 13th procedure in 7 months the I have been put under to do. All of them have to do with kidney stones, stents, scopes & lasers and there is no end in sight, my kidneys are still full of stones and will keep making them. What antibiotic should I be given for my heart that won't harm my kidneys anymore? I have too many doctors with too many opinions and none of them consult with each other. Also, the last time, I don't know what they used, but it swelled the vein leaving a bruise from my hand to my elbow and pain & burning for a few weeks afterwards. If you need anymore information about me, feel free to ask, any help would be great and even better if it's before the 10th. Thank You. Patricia

Answer
Unfortunately I'm the wrong person to ask this. While as anesthesiologists we administer antibiotics, it is the surgeons who order what they want based on the suspected bugs they are trying to cover. I would speak with your urologist in consultation with either your nephrologist or infectious disease specialist.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston