title: Third-time coronary artery bypass grafting.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. l.noyez@thchir.azn.nl
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Noyez
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Touma
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Skotnicki
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Brouwer
mesh_terms: 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