Former NRL and All Blacks dual-code star Sonny Bill Williams has revealed that he underwent life-saving open-heart surgery after doctors discovered a congenital heart defect that left him moments away from sudden death during his decorated athletic career. The 41-year-old shared his medical ordeal in a YouTube video released on Friday night, detailing a condition he carried since birth without knowing.
Hospital Operation Replaces Damaged Aortic Valve
The high-risk operation took place at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital, though other reports state the procedure was performed at Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Surgeon Dr Michael O’Keefe performed a Ross procedure, replacing Williams’ diseased aortic valve with a human-donated pulmonary valve. Dr O’Keefe described the intervention as two major open-heart operations in one, noting it is one of the only operations in cardiac surgery that puts you back on a normal life expectancy curve. Williams spent more than a week recovering in the hospital, admitting that the second day of recovery pushed him to his limits. Williams was joined in the video by his wife, Alana, who said she felt it was a little bit daunting saying goodbye to her husband before the procedure. Williams experienced hallucinations after going under the knife, recalling that he honestly felt like he didn’t know if he was going to make it.
Undiagnosed Defect Placed Unknowing Handicap on Sporting Career
Williams carried the congenital heart defect throughout a career featuring premierships with the Bulldogs and Roosters, 58 Test appearances for the All Blacks between 2010 and 2019, two Rugby World Cup titles in 2011 and 2015, and professional boxing matches, including a bout against Paul Gallen just 15 months ago. The issue was uncovered during a follow-up appointment after Williams underwent his fourth major neck surgery earlier this year. Doctors measured his heart at 7.5 centimeters, telling him it was about to pop. Dr O’Keefe noted that Williams competed at a high level of professional sport while unknowingly carrying a handicap, explaining that his fitness allowed him to compensate for the defect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sonny Bill Williams’ Heart Surgery
How was Sonny Bill Williams’ heart condition discovered?
The congenital defect was found during a follow-up medical appointment following neck surgery earlier this year. Doctors warned that without this incidental checkup, the condition could have caused him to drop dead at any moment.
What specific type of surgery did he undergo?
Surgeon Dr Michael O’Keefe performed a Ross procedure, which is an open-heart surgery that replaces a diseased aortic valve with a healthy human-donated pulmonary valve to restore normal heart efficiency.
Can Sonny Bill Williams still play competitive sports?
According to his surgical team, the successful operation actually leaves him with a more efficient heart than before the procedure, and he could still play sport again at a competitive level.
Related reading