[Results of closed mitral commissurotomy after 20-25 years]

The 20-25 year results of 486 closed mitral commissurotomies were analysed. The actuarial analysis demonstrated that 25-year survival was 59%, stable good results were 38%, repeated mitral interventions were performed in 31% of the patients. The patients' survival and functional results of commissurotomies depend on early surgery which should be done in patients with severe and acute mitral stenosis prior to the development of drastic valvular changes, calcinosis, regurgitation, atrial fibrillation, cardiomegaly, atrial thrombosis and other complications. Timely mitral commissurotomy is a rather effective palliative intervention in uncomplicated mitral stenosis.