Operative management of intracardiac myxomas: A single center experience

Cardiac myxomas are the most common benign intracardiac tumors. We studied the clinical presentation of cardiac myxomas, their morbidity, mortality and recurrence rate following surgery at our institution over a period of four years.

During August 2008 to November 2012, a total of 12023 cardiac surgeries were performed. Amongst these, 50 patients (12 males, 38 females) underwent complete removal of primary or recurrent intracardiac myxomas. Complete tumor excision with a cuff of interatrial septum followed copious saline irrigation of the cardiac chambers was performed in each case.

Forty six patients survived the surgery of which 43 are being followed up at regular intervals for development of recurrence. Myxomas constituted 0.41% of the total cardiac surgeries at our institute. Most of them were noted in the fourth decade. The commonest location was left atrium (74%) followed by right atrium (22%). Only one patient had a myxoma in the right ventricle. Forty six patients (92%) survived the surgery.

Cardiac myxoma excision account for a very small percentage of cardiac procedures. Immediate surgical treatment is indicated in all patients. Cardiac myxomas can be excised with a low rate of mortality and morbidity.