Alternative to open heart surgery?

My dad has been detected with a hole in the heart. Doctors say he has this since his birth, today his age is 49. He is showing no symtoms as such, no pain, no breathlessness, nothing at all. But he is getting water in his lungs. Doctors have recommened for an open heart surgery as soon as possible, but is there any alternative? What are the risks involved? Hows life after the surgery? Please help