Early results of repairing atrial septal defect comparing anterolateral thoracotomy and complete sternotomy

According to previous studies, surgical closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) was considered as the standard treatment. Two surgical methods, the conventional sternotomy (CSA: median sternotomy) and anterlateral thoracotomy were used. This study was carried out to compare early results of the two techniques in ASD's closure. In this descriptive-analytical study from March 1998 to March 2004, the records of 73 patients with ASDs referring to Shahid Madany Hospital - affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences- were studied. The obtained data were analysed through filling out questionnaires Fisher, and Mann-Whitney accurate tests were used for statistical analyses at the significant level of P≤0.05. Out of 73 patients, 38 cases had undergone thoracotomy (group I) and 35 of them had experienced sternotomy (group II). The difference between mean surgery time in group I (4.33 hours) and in group II (3.43 hours) was significant at P<0.001. Duration of hospitalization between the two groups (10.08 and 12.79 days, respectively)- P=0.01, was significant. There was no significant differences on mean cross-aortic clamping time (32.35 and 35.88 minutes, respectively - P=0.41), mean time of extracorporeal circulation (65.68 and 69.48 minutes, respectively, - P=0.27). Besides, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the amount of drainage. Right anterolateral thoracotomy for ASD closure can be an appreopriate technique, in terms of lower hospitalization days, limited surgical scar and better cosmetic outcome.