Abnormal EKG- Will IRBBB disqualify me for mommy makeover surgery?

Question

I was told I have a IRBBB after a car accident in 2010. There was no further discussion. Fast forward, I had VSG in 2022. It came up on my pre-op EKG so had an echo that came back clear. Once again, I forgot all about this. I filled out my medical form for surgery in TJ and booked my surgery. I shared my memory lapse and feel they will deny me now. Is it worth looking for a new surgeon in the US?

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

An incomplete RBBB is a very common electrical heart abnormality. It is present in approximately 5% of the population as in generally considered benign, especially if you have no symptoms as opposed to a ILBBB which has a higher likelihood of progressing to a complete which can be serious. I screen my patients with IRBBB by asking them questions about their health&hellip; dizziness spells, chest pain, shortness of breath, exercise tolerance, etc&hellip; If they are asymptomatic I do not send them for independent medical clearance but if you have any concerns you should ask your PCP. I often hear of patient’s complaints of international medical tourism surgeons canceling surgery for minor issues that do not warrant cancellation and vice versa, the patient has a medical issue that should have cancelled surgery and they did not&hellip; be careful.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fierce188049,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination.You will need to get a clearance from your cardiologist. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Patrick Felice, MD · Answer

Your description of IRBBB and VSG should not preclude you from having the surgery. If you are medically stable in other areas, the procedure would be the same. Hope this helps

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

You need a cardiac clearance not a new plastic surgeon. You are going for an elective procedure that has to be done in a safe manner. If you are deemed at high cardiac risk, then you need to reconsider your decision.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

EKG readings come back with many different readings. Bundle branch blocks may mean something significant or not (surgically speaking). As long as you are cleared by a cardiologist, you should be stable to undergo general anesthesia.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

An incomplete right bundle branch block (IRBBB) on an EKG is a relatively common finding and does not always indicate a significant heart problem. However, whether it disqualifies you from undergoing a mommy makeover surgery depends on several factors. Here are some considerations:

Understanding IRBBB
Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block (IRBBB):
IRBBB occurs when there is a delay or partial blockage in the electrical impulses that control the right ventricle.
Often, IRBBB is benign and asymptomatic, meaning it does not cause symptoms or affect heart function significantly.
It can be found in healthy individuals and does not necessarily indicate underlying heart disease.
Pre-Surgical Evaluation
Consultation with Cardiologist:

If IRBBB is detected on your EKG, it's essential to consult with a cardiologist. They can determine if the IRBBB is isolated or if it indicates underlying heart disease.
The cardiologist may recommend additional tests such as an echocardiogram, stress test, or Holter monitor to evaluate your heart function more thoroughly.
Risk Assessment:

Your overall cardiac risk needs to be assessed. This includes evaluating any symptoms (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath), family history of heart disease, and other cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, smoking).
Clearance for Surgery:

If your cardiologist determines that the IRBBB is benign and you do not have significant heart disease or symptoms, they may clear you for surgery.
In some cases, the cardiologist might recommend precautions or additional monitoring during surgery to ensure your safety.
Impact on Mommy Makeover Surgery
Elective Surgery Considerations:

Elective surgeries like a mommy makeover require thorough pre-operative evaluations to minimize risks.
The surgical team, including your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist, will want to ensure that your heart function is stable and that you can tolerate the procedure and anesthesia.
Communication Among Healthcare Providers:

Ensure that your plastic surgeon is aware of your IRBBB and any recommendations from your cardiologist.
Coordination between your cardiologist, plastic surgeon, and anesthesiologist is crucial to manage any potential risks effectively.
Final Decision
The final decision on whether you can proceed with a mommy makeover will be made collaboratively by your healthcare team, considering the cardiologist’s assessment and the surgeon’s evaluation of your overall health. If cleared by your cardiologist, and with appropriate precautions, an IRBBB alone may not necessarily disqualify you from having a mommy makeover surgery.

It's essential to prioritize your safety and health, so thorough evaluation and clear communication with your healthcare providers are key steps before proceeding with surgery.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

It is always safe to have cardiology clearance from your cardiologist prior to elective/or any surgery.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may need medical clearance to have elective surgery. Please discuss this with your surgeon.  Call to set this up.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

For your safety I recommend that you have your surgery performed by a board certified plastic surgeon.  She/He will review your medical history and inform you if any clearance or further testing is needed in order for you to proceed with your Mommy Makeover.  Safety is always the number one priority,

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your history of a cardiac issue and surgery, you should see your cardiologist or cardiac surgeon for a surgical clearance to see if they would even clear you for any type of cosmetic elective surgery. If you can obtain a clearance, then you could seek a board certified US Plastic Surgeon where he might do the surgery in an ambulatory surgery center or outpatient hospital for your safety. You did not specify what cosmetic surgery you desired nor posted photos. Best regards

Abnormal EKG- Will IRBBB disqualify me for mommy makeover surgery?

Answers (11)

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