Patient-reported outcome measures after mitral valve repair: a comparison between minimally invasive and sternotomy

To compare patient-reported outcome measures of minimally invasive (MI) to sternotomy (ST) mitral valve repair. We included all patients undergoing isolated mitral valve surgery via either a right mini-thoracotomy (MI) or ST over a 36-month period. Patients were asked to complete a modified Composite Physical Function questionnaire. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, and patient-reported outcome measures were compared between 2 propensity-matched groups (n = 47/group), assessing 3 domains: 'Recovery Time', 'Postoperative Pain' (at day 2 and 1, 3, 6 and 12 weeks) and 'Treatment Satisfaction'. Composite scores for each domain were subsequently constructed and multivariable analysis was used to determine whether surgical approach was associated with domain scores. The response rate was 79%. There was no mortality in either group. In the matched groups, operative times were longer in the MI group (P