[Comparative study of thoracic approaches in atrial septal defect closure]

Our early experience in approaching ASD by right thoracotomy as opposed to midline sternotomy is presented. Between July 2000 and December 2001, 15 patients (group A) were operated by right thoracotomy. Mean age of patients was 8.6 years and mean weight was 31.6 kg. In the same period, midline sternotomy was used in 16 patients (group B). Mean age was 4.7 years and weight was 16.5 kg. The duration of the procedure, by-pass, and aortic cross-clamping were similar. Bleeding was 265 ml (8.4 ml/kg) in group A, and 152 ml (9.2 ml/kg) in group B. The duration of the ICU stay and time of discharge were 2.4 days and 6 days in group A, and 2.23 days and 6.87 days in group B, respectively. No significant differences were found in ASD closure by thoracotomy and sternotomy. The cosmetic appearance acceptance of right thoracotomy was excellent.