A comparison between thoracoscopic and open cardiac surgery in the treatment of congenital heart diseases / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare the efficacy between thoracoscopic and open cardiac surgery in the treatment of congenital heart diseases. Methods A total of 62 patients with congenital heart diseases were divided into two groups according to patients’ preference. There were 24 patients in the Thoracoscopic Group. The thoracoscopic operations were performed under extracorporeal circulation, including atrial septal defect repair in 8 patients and ventricular septal defect repair in 16 patients. The Open Group consisted of 38 patients, including atrial septal defect repair in 14 patients and ventricular repair in 24 patients. Results Fatal cases happened in neither of groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the bypass time (74?28 min vs 71?24 min; t=0.449, P=0.655), the ascending aorta cross-clamping time (29?13 min vs 28?12 min; t=0.309, P=0.758), and the postoperative mechanical ventilation time (3.2?1.1 h vs 3.3?1.1 h;t=-0.349, P=0.729), respectively. No significant variation in incidence of postoperative complications was observed between the two groups (?~2=2.646,P=0.104). As compared with the Open Group, the Thoracoscopic Group had a significantly less chest drainage volume (32?18 ml vs 66?28 ml;t=-5.290,P=0.000) and a significantly shorter postoperative hospital day (6.1?1.2 d vs 7.6?2.2 d;t=-3.059,P=0.003). Conclusions Thoracoscopic cardiac surgery for congenital heart diseases is a safe and effective technique with little invasion, quick recovery and good cosmetic results.