title: Controversies in postoperative atrial fibrillation after noncardiothoracic surgery: clinical and research implications.
abstract: Post operative atrial fibrillation after non-cardiothoracic surgery is an increasingly common problem. There is little high quality data to guide clinicians in risk prediction as well as short term and long term management. There appears to be a significant risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation and stroke but effective screening strategies have not been tested. In this commentary, we delineate various controversies in the management of post operative atrial fibrillation and briefly review the available evidence. Prospective studies in this clinically important area of cardiology should be encouraged.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Srikanth
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vallurupalli
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Anusha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shanbhag
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Jawahar L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Non-cardiac non-thoracic surgery