Cardiothoracic surgery, your heart & lungs deserve expert care
If you’ve been told you need heart or chest surgery, it’s natural to feel scared. You might be wondering if you need to travel to a bigger hospital in Pretoria, whether your local hospital has the right equipment, or if the surgeons are experienced enough.
We understand these concerns, and we want you to know that at Botshilu, you’ll receive the same world-class cardiothoracic care you’d find at any major hospital, with one important difference: you won’t have to leave your community.
Our Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified cardiothoracic surgeon for diagnosis and treatment recommendations specific to your condition.
What Conditions Do Our Cardiothoracic Surgeons Treat?
Our cardiothoracic team treats a wide range of heart and chest conditions, including:
Coronary Artery Disease
If you have blocked arteries causing chest pain (angina) or putting you at risk for heart attack, you might need coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), commonly called “bypass surgery.” This procedure creates a new route for blood to flow around blocked arteries, restoring proper blood flow to your heart muscle.
Heart Valve Problems
Your heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. When these valves become damaged (from rheumatic fever, infection, or age-related wear), they might need repair or replacement. Our surgeons can either repair your existing valve or replace it with a mechanical or biological valve.
Aortic Conditions
The aorta is the main artery carrying blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Conditions like aortic aneurysms (dangerous bulges in the vessel wall) or aortic dissection (tears in the vessel) require urgent surgical intervention. Our team is equipped to handle these emergencies.
Lung Surgery
We treat lung tumours, persistent lung infections, collapsed lungs (pneumothorax), and other serious lung conditions requiring surgical intervention. In some cases, part or all of a diseased lung may need to be removed to save your life.
Chest Trauma
If you’ve been in a serious accident involving chest injuries, broken ribs, punctured lungs, or damage to your heart or major blood vessels, our trauma and cardiothoracic teams work together to provide life-saving emergency surgery.
Congenital Heart Defects
Some people are born with structural problems in their hearts that weren’t corrected in childhood or that have worsened over time. Our surgeons can perform corrective procedures to improve your heart function and quality of life.
Understanding Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery sounds like a big, frightening term, and honestly, any surgery involving your heart or lungs is serious. But understanding what it means can help ease some of your worry.
“Cardio” refers to your heart, and “thoracic” refers to your chest. Cardiothoracic surgeons are specialist doctors who operate on your heart, lungs, and the major blood vessels in your chest. These are some of the most highly trained surgeons in medicine, with years of additional training beyond regular surgery.
You might need cardiothoracic surgery if you have blocked arteries in your heart, damaged heart valves, lung tumours, chest trauma from an accident, problems with your aorta (the main blood vessel from your heart), congenital heart defects (heart problems you were born with), or complications from other heart or lung diseases.
The thought of someone operating on your heart or lungs is understandably frightening. But here’s what’s important to know: cardiothoracic surgery has advanced enormously in recent years. Procedures that once required large incisions and months of recovery can now often be done with minimally invasive techniques, meaning smaller cuts, less pain, and faster healing.
Why Choose Botshilu for Cardiothoracic Surgery
One of the first questions many patients ask is: “Can this be done close to home?” It’s a fair question. For years, people in Soshanguve, Mabopane, and surrounding communities were told they needed to travel long distances for complex surgery.
But Here’s the Truth: You Don’t Need to Travel Anymore.
Botshilu Private Hospital has state-of-the-art operating theatres specifically equipped for cardiothoracic surgery. We have advanced surgical equipment, monitoring systems, and life-support technology built to international standards. Our operating theatres meet international standards for cardiac surgery, including specialised equipment for heart-lung bypass during open-heart procedures.
More importantly, we have experienced cardiothoracic surgeons who have trained at leading institutions both in South Africa and internationally. These aren’t doctors who are “learning” on you; they’re established specialists with years of successful surgeries behind them. They’ve chosen to practice here because they believe, like we do, that excellent healthcare should be accessible in your own community.
Your Cardiothoracic Team
When you’re facing heart or chest surgery, you’re not just seeing one doctor, you’re being cared for by an entire team of specialists working together for your wellbeing.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
The specialist who will perform your operation. They’ve spent 5-7 years beyond medical school training specifically in heart and chest surgery. They’ll explain your condition, discuss your surgical options, and answer all your questions before you decide to proceed.
Cardiologist
The heart specialist who diagnosed your condition and may have referred you for surgery. They’ll continue working with your surgeon to ensure the surgery is the right choice and will monitor your heart health after recovery.
Anaesthetist
The specialist doctor who keeps you safely asleep and pain-free during surgery. For cardiothoracic procedures, your anaesthetist has specialised training in cardiac anaesthesia; this isn’t routine anaesthesia; it requires expert management of your heart and lungs throughout the procedure.
Theatre Nurses
Specially trained in assisting with complex heart and chest surgeries. They work alongside your surgeon, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Staff
They will care for you immediately after surgery. You’ll spend your first day or two in ICU, where you’ll be closely monitored. This is standard practice for all cardiothoracic patients, not because something’s wrong, but because it’s the safest way to recover.
Physiotherapists
They help you with breathing exercises and gentle movement after surgery to prevent complications like pneumonia or blood clots.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Concerns and Honest Answers
Absolutely. Any good surgeon will support you getting a second opinion before major surgery. If your surgeon seems offended by this, that's actually a red flag. You should feel completely confident in your surgeon and your decision before proceeding.
This is the fear everyone has but few people voice. The honest answer is that all surgery carries risk, and heart surgery is certainly serious. However, modern cardiothoracic surgery is remarkably safe. The vast majority of patients, over 95-98% depending on the procedure, come through successfully. Your surgeon will discuss your specific risks based on your age, overall health, and the procedure needed. Risk is higher if surgery is done as an emergency, which is why it's important not to delay if you're having symptoms.
You will have pain after surgery, there's no point pretending otherwise. But we have excellent pain management. You'll have strong pain medication initially, and your pain will decrease significantly each day. Most patients say the pain is manageable and worth it for the improved health afterwards.
Some patients worry that having surgery on their heart will somehow change who they are. Your heart is a pump, an incredibly important pump, but still a mechanical organ. Surgery repairs the mechanics; it doesn't change your personality, your memories, or who you are as a person.
Most medical aids cover necessary cardiothoracic surgery, though you should verify your specific benefits and any co-payments. Our medical aid team will help you understand your coverage before surgery. For self-paying patients, we can discuss payment plans, don't let cost prevent you from getting life-saving treatment.