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Aged Person On Vent, Had Sigmoid Colon Surgery . Doing A Tracheotomy Next Week. Is Weak, Varying BP. Oxygen Meds. Suggestions?
I have an 82 year old Aunt that is on a vent for 6 days now. She had a sigmoid colon surgery done the 3rd day in the hospital. She is not awake and Drs. are talking about doing a tracheotomy next week.
Is this really need ? She has diabetic, her heart works @ 50%.
She is very weak, BP goes up & down regulated by meds oxygen level 90
Is this really need ? She has diabetic, her heart works @ 50%.
She is very weak, BP goes up & down regulated by meds oxygen level 90
Wed, 28 Aug 2013
Hi and thanks for the query,
I do think her health condition is a very delicate one form your description above. It might necessary to accept the tracheostomy especially to improve her oxygen saturation in blood. Oxygen is the main gas required for metabolism by the brain, in case it remains under certain thresholds, brain functions remains compromised. Detailed evaluation, especially to consider her clotting profile must be considered before engaging in surgery. I think with this scenario, tracheostomy could help.
Thanks and best regards. Bain LE, MD
I do think her health condition is a very delicate one form your description above. It might necessary to accept the tracheostomy especially to improve her oxygen saturation in blood. Oxygen is the main gas required for metabolism by the brain, in case it remains under certain thresholds, brain functions remains compromised. Detailed evaluation, especially to consider her clotting profile must be considered before engaging in surgery. I think with this scenario, tracheostomy could help.
Thanks and best regards. Bain LE, MD
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Hi ! From the history what you have written about your aunt, it seems that she is in deep coma due to some pathology. The problem gets compounded due to her diabetes and other related pathology. The need for a tracheostomy can be best judged by the treating team of doctor, and no one else can judge it either over phone or over the net. However, you may ask the doctors about the prognosis and seriousness of the problem to have an idea of her condition. Good luck.
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