“Possibility of death,” “high risk,” “chances of entering a coma,” “post-operation pregnancy is not possible,” all are phrases commonly reiterated by heart surgeons to patients preparing to undergo cardiac procedures.
Many people are unaware of the psychological dismay heart patients and their families pass through before making the decision to approve surgery.
Starting the first day of its operations on Sunday, Al-Balsam International Organization succeeded in saving the lives of eight Yemeni people in the port city of Mukalla, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The organization’s chief cardiologist and executive director Dr. Emad Bukhari explains the significance of hearing these words, their importance to the process of making the right decision.
“It is necessary to be honest and clear and give all possibilities to the patient and his family before they go under the knife,” said Bukhari.
The chief heart surgeon believes that it all goes down to “skills of communication when delivering information to the patient.”
“We always warn that false hope given by doctors to patients may lead to disaster,” adds Bukhari.
Al-Balsam International Organization deals with different nationalities, conducting heart operations in several countries.
“Over 80 percent of surgery problems are strong build-ups to a legal suit after improper communication with the patient and his family,” adds Bukhari on the steps needed to ensure that the possibility of surgery complications is relayed to the patient.
“Dialogue helps the patient make the right decision, even if it is difficult,” he tells Asharq Al-Awsat.
“Of course, the patient has the right to refuse, but at the same time make it clear to him that the fears of the spread of the disease and complications will get worse,” adds Bukhari.
Bukhari said Al-Balsam’s medical campaigns in Yemen started in 2003 and have always been welcomed in the Yemeni provinces in which they have worked.
Another Al-Balsam cardiologist and head of medical staff Dr. Rakan Nazer believes in the benefits of the surgeon telling the patient about the pros and cons of opting for surgery in detail.
“In many cases, we have experienced some patients who were afraid, but most of them were very aware of the matter, and the importance of undergoing and accepting surgery,” Nazer said.
Al-Balsam International Organization arrived in Mukalla city, located in eastern Hadramout province, last Saturday with the mission to conduct more than 115 open-heart surgeries and interventional catheterization and diagnosis of Yemeni patients.
