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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Atrial Fibrillation Post Lap Cholesystectomy ?

I had a lap cholesystectomy on Friday, home on saturday, Early hours of Monday morning I went in to AF for 12 hours and ended up in Coronary Care until yesterday. No-one can find a reason for it but are putting it down to Surgery and anaesthetic trauma. Does this happen???? I also developed some fluid on lungs.
Mon, 7 Sep 2015
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Greetings. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern.

Well, depending on the kind of operation, there are differences in atrial fibrillation percentages accompanying the perioperative period. One thing is for sure, atrial fibrillation or flutter is the most common arrhythmia found in perioperative stage, and always expected to happen. It usually self-converts to normal sinus rhythm, by controlling the heart rate with digoxin, beta blockers or calcium channel blockers, and by eliminating the electrolyte disturbances, especially potassium disturbances. If the situation persists more than 24 hours, then medical, pharmacological or electric shock measures should be undertaken to restore the normal sinus rhythm. Fluid in lungs is also a known complication of perioperative period and is dedicated to anaesthesia.

I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care and I wish you a good health.

Regards,
Dr. Meriton
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What Causes Atrial Fibrillation Post Lap Cholesystectomy ?

Greetings. Thank you for your question and welcome to HCM. I understand your concern. Well, depending on the kind of operation, there are differences in atrial fibrillation percentages accompanying the perioperative period. One thing is for sure, atrial fibrillation or flutter is the most common arrhythmia found in perioperative stage, and always expected to happen. It usually self-converts to normal sinus rhythm, by controlling the heart rate with digoxin, beta blockers or calcium channel blockers, and by eliminating the electrolyte disturbances, especially potassium disturbances. If the situation persists more than 24 hours, then medical, pharmacological or electric shock measures should be undertaken to restore the normal sinus rhythm. Fluid in lungs is also a known complication of perioperative period and is dedicated to anaesthesia. I hope I was helpful with my answer. Take care and I wish you a good health. Regards, Dr. Meriton