Comparison of right anterolateral thorocotomy with standard median steronotomy for mitral valve replacement.

Obejectives: The objectives of this study were to compare and analyze the results of right anterolateral thoracotomy and median sternotomy approach for primary mitral valve replacement with reference to the exposure during Valve Replacement , length of surgical incision, mean cross clamp time, mean bypass time, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospitalization, overall comorbidity with sternotomy; sepsis, dehiscence, healing cosmetic issues and cost effectiveness.

Methods: The present study comprised 68 patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease who underwent mitral valve replacement in the Department ofCardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Sher‑i‑Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences from September 2009 to August 2011.

Results: This study comprised 64 patients with 23 (35.