Third-time coronary artery bypass grafting.
BACKGROUND
In this study we analyze the short- and long-term results, and the clinical, functional, and subjective status of patients after a second coronary reoperation (RE-RE-CABG).


METHODS
The perioperative data of 33 consecutive patients undergoing RE-RE-CABG (1987 to 1998) were studied. Follow-up information was obtained from our follow-up databank. A cross-sectional follow-up was conducted, with additional functional evaluation by the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), and patients' evaluations of their life situation were registered.


RESULTS
Perioperative mortality was 2 of 33 patients (6%). During the follow-up (mean 51.6 months) 5 patients died. The 26 survivors showed a significant decrease in New York Heart Association class from 3.6+/-0.4 preoperatively versus 2.2+/-0.6 postoperatively. The mean Duke Activity Status Index score was 29.30+/-16.34 (range 7.22 to 48.9). In all, 18 of 26 patients (70%) were declared to have benefitted from the RE-RECABG.


CONCLUSIONS
The significant improve in New York Heart Association class and good postoperative functional capacity, justified the RE-RE-CABG. However, patients must be informed about the limitations of this procedure.
Noyez
L
L
Department of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. l.noyez@thchir.azn.nl
Touma
I M
IM
Skotnicki
S H
SH
Brouwer
R M
RM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation