Quality of life after robotically assisted atrial myxoma excision

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome after robotically assisted myxoma surgery performed at our institution. Altogether nine patients underwent robotically assisted atrial myxoma excision. A control group was selected from 18 consecutive patients who underwent an isolated atrial myxoma excision via conventional sternotomy. Preoperative patient characteristics were similar between the two study groups. Postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was also evaluated. All robotic operations were completed successfully using the da Vinci™ telesurgical system. There was no mortality in either of the two study groups. Procedure, cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic occlusion, and ventilation times were shorter in the sternotomy group when compared to the robotic group. Length of stay was statistically significantly shorter in the robotically assisted group. Postoperative quality of life did not differ between the two study groups. We conclude that robotically assisted surgery is a feasible method for treating atrial myxomas.