Is t there is a less invasive technique, where a small incision is used?
The mini-sternotomy is a possibility, but there are very few surgeons who offer it with RP. RP is a technically difficult surgery and many surgeons want to have a very good view of the operative field. With mini’s there are some aspects of the surgery that are done with less than optimal view of the surgical field. We do both minis (not for RP but certain other procedures) and regular sternotomies, I have to say–I do not see any real difference in length of stay in the hospital, complaints of pain or general recovery. This is just personal experience–we are currently tracking the minis and are working on a paper re: length of stay vs regular sternotomies. But I have really not compared the data recently. Personally I would choose the surgeon based on experience with RPs. If your surgeon offers you a mini sternotomy with an RP I would question them as to how many mini sternotomy RPs they have done. There is a learning curve to doing the surgery thru a mini and I certainly would not wa
