General surgical manifestations of cardiac prosthetic dysfunction

A growing number of patients have prolonged survival after cardiac valve replacement. Longer life-spans increase the eventual risk of development of general surgical problems in these patients. Additionally, prosthetic dysfunction such as thrombosis, endocarditis, or dehiscence may lead to abdominal symptoms, systemic illness, or thromboembolic phenomena. a team approach, including the general surgeon, cardiologist, and thoracic surgeon, should be sought in the care of such patients.