Possibility of 3 broken ribs, will that affect an operation?

KitKaat | 23:15 Tue 16th Oct 2012 | Health & Fitness

17 Answers

My mum is due to get an operation in less than a week to remove a cancerous lump from her breast, she has discovered that she may have 3broken ribs and is going for an x ray tomorrow.. the doctor said today that the surgeon will have to be informed of this but never actually stated why. Does anybody have any idea if this will have any influence on the operation? If it will have to be rescheduled or should it be okay? Its on the opposite side that needs to be operated on

Thanks

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methyl

Best Answer

Radiologists are highly trained hospital staff, but rarely offer an opinion. In the end the decision will be made by the full team (Consultant, Registrar, Surgeon and Anaesthetist) based on the full picture (unintentional pun).

23:59 Tue 16th Oct 2012

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KitKaat

Question Author

sorry I stand corrected, the anaesthetist needs to know of this change

dotty.

do you mean they are currently broken or they have been broken previously and are now healed?

LoftyLottie

I should imagine it will down to whether she is able to breath properly as impaired breathing will be of concern.

KitKaat

Question Author

possibility of them have being broken nearly 3 weeks ago, x ray is tomorrow! just trying to find out any info now as we're abit in the dark!

KitKaat

Question Author

breathing is normal!

LoftyLottie

It will be up to the anaesthetist to make the decision. They have to be told of any health problems, and three broken ribs will to a degree affect her breathing to some extent. How did she discover she might have broken ribs? The anaesthetist won't take any chances.

KitKaat

Question Author

well she fell out of bed about 3weeks ago but the pain only came about a week and a half ago and she went to the doctor today and they are sending her for an x ray! all very vague..

petal54

hope all goess well for your mum

KitKaat

Question Author

thank you!

Jemisa

It could affect her breathing, if there's a slightest risk it may then they will do the op another time.
But wait to see what the xray shows up. Hope all is ok.

jem

KitKaat

Question Author

it never rains but it pours! thanks all!

-- answer removed --

Sqad

I agree with all the above......however in answer to your question, if as a result of the "broken ribs" which i assume was due to a blow, you have no pain and no difficulty in breathing, then the operation will go ahead as scheduled.

KitKaat

Question Author

i really hope so Sqad! thanks :)

Sqad

KitKat...the anaesthetist will make the decision.