“Can bypass surgery work for someone with diabetes and BP?”
My mother is 70 years old and has been diabetic for the last 30 years. She also has high blood pressure which shoots up drastically at times. In such a case is a bypass surgery recommended for her?
13 Answers
Yes
She needs to be medically optimized before going for a major surgery like bypass
Yes, it can be done.
A bypass surgery is recommended if an artery is blocked in such a way that blood needs to be rerouted around the blockage. Often, a vein is used to and sutured above and below the blockage so that blood can travel around the blockage. If a bypass is recommended, diabetes would not be a reason not to have the surgery. In fact, many diabetics have successfully had bypass surgery.
First, it is important to determine whether or not she needs a bypass. Also, are you referring to a heart bypass or a leg bypass for peripheral arterial disease? Generally, poorly controlled diabetes and blood pressure can negatively affect the success and long-term durability of a bypass and cause them to fail sooner.
Bp can usually be control on medication
There are different types of "bypass surgery". High BP itself is not an indication for surgery. Depending on what type of bypass surgery is recommended, it is important to clarify the specific reason for the surgery.
Diabetes and hypertension are common causes of atherosclerosis and as such are some of the more common indications for bypass surgery. Whether or not your mother is a candidate for bypass surgery will depend on the assessment of a cardiovascular surgeon of her particular problem, her overall health, and her willingness to undergo an invasive procedure. Bypass surgery is an excellent option for many diabetics and for many individuals with high blood pressure. If you are concerned about this, go to your mother's appointment with the specialist and ask questions until you feel you have the answers that allow you to help her make an informed choice. As for her sometimes out of control blood pressure and her blood sugars, the anesthesia providers and intensivists as well as the surgeon will all team up to provide her with the best possible care in those circumstances.
KathyLee Santangelo, MD
KathyLee Santangelo, MD
Diabetics are at increased risk for complications from any type of bypass surgery. However in most circumstances it is not prohibitive. However, she needs to be properly evaluated for any further recommendation.
Yes if she needs it
Depends on the indication for surgery.
I cannot speak for heart bypasses but bypasses for the legs are performed to treat arterial blockages and thus improve blood flow to the foot/feet. Bypasses will not help the BP nor diabetes, only perfusion to the foot (presuming there is a target vessel to sew to).
Vivienne J. Halpern
Vascular Surgeon
What kind of bypass surgery, Heart or Leg? Diabetes in and of itself is not a contraindication to either bypass surgeries, but it is important to have the diabetes in good control at the time of surgery to reduce risks perioperatively especially of infection and wound healing complications. Long term, it also improves success of bypass surgery. BP also should be controlled prior to surgery as best possible. Is it anxiety or white coat syndrome that makes it shoot up?
