Mitral valve prolapse. Comparison between valvular repair and replacement in severe mitral regurgitation.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse long term results of mitral valve repair of degenerative mitral regurgitation compared to valve replacement.

Methods: A hundred-twenty-five consecutive patients with severe mitral valve insufficiency who underwent cardiac surgery from January 1987 to December 1995 were included in the study. Mean age was 55+/-16 years (77 males, 48 females).