Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 3/28/2009

Question
My friend has a heart murmur which she has had since she was 10 years old after catching Rheumatic Fever and also a slow heart beat. She is now 73 years old, and has never had any of the usual problem associated with this,she was recently due to have a Total Hip Replacement Op, and on the day of the planned surgery it was cancelled because the anesthetist  was wary about giving the anaesthetic and mentioned intensive care!!! My friend has no other health problems so was intrigued as to why this happened.

Can you offer any advice?

Many Thanks

Caroline

Answer
Hi Caroline
I am also intrigued as to why this happened. Most patients attend for preoperative assessment so they can be sorted out prior to their operation. I think your friend deserves more of an explanation as to why she was cancelled. I certainly wouldn't cancel anyone without having a long chat with them about what the issue was and what we needed to do to allow the op to proceed.
Rheumatic fever can cause problems with the heart valves and unstable heart rhythms which could be the reason for cancellation. However that is just a guess. Your friend needs to find out what is planned next.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson