Abstract
BACKGROUND: The upper mini sternotomy Bentall (mini-Bentall) procedure may result in less trauma and earlier recovery compared with the usual full sternotomy Bentall procedure (Usual Bentall-DeBono procedure). OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of mini sternotomy aortic root surgery (MSARS), a minimally invasive technique designed to reduce surgical trauma, improve postoperative recovery, and lower healthcare costs. METHODS: The upper mini sternotomy (UMS) approach was performed in ten patients focusing on standardized surgical procedures, and rigorous postoperative care. Key findings indicate that MSARS markedly reduces postoperative complications, ICU stay, and overall hospital stay compared to traditional sternotomy. RESULTS: The median postoperative length of stay was seven days for MSARS versus 11 days for traditional sternotomy, with ICU stays of 27 hours and 105 hours, respectively. Our study also highlights the cost-effectiveness of MSARS, with decreased hospital costs per patient due to reduced ICU resource utilization and shorter hospital stays. These findings suggest that MSARS is a valuable and advantageous alternative to traditional sternotomy, offering substantial benefits in terms of patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency. CONCLUSION: Mini sternotomy aortic root surgery via partial upper sternotomy could be a safe alternative to the full median sternotomy, marking a significant advancement in the field of cardiac surgery.