INTRODUCTION
Valvular heart diseases are quite common in developed countries and have a high incidence rate. Among the heart surgeries performed in these countries, heart valve surgeries rank second in number. [1]. In recent years, the number of patients with advanced age and serious risk profile undergoing cardiac surgery has been increasing. Despite this negativity, surgery is a safe treatment method with low morbidity and mortality for almost all patients, thanks to the progress in cardiac anesthesia and surgical techniques [2]. In previous studies, the mortality rate following heart valve replacement has been reported to be between 4.3% and 14% [3].
The most important purpose in mitral valve surgery; It is the preservation of left ventricular function by preventing left ventricular dilatation before an irreversible damage occurs in the myocardium, and if it is not possible, it is the replacement of the valve that has lost its function before serious symptoms appear [4]. In the treatment of valve diseases, the surgical treatment that will contribute the most to the dimensions and functions of the left ventricle is the repair of the valve without damaging the anatomical structure of the valve and using a prosthetic valve. Prosthetic valve replacement is applied for valves that are severely degenerated and not suitable for repair. Preservation of the subvalvular structure consisting of the chordae and papillary muscles, which are the elements of the functional apparatus of the mitral valve, provides a positive effect on left ventricular function and helps prevent left ventricular dilatation and left ventricular segmental wall motion disorder [4,5]. However, the lack of randomized studies comparing long-term results is evident. It is known that heart surgeries performed with minimally invasive methods and robotic surgery generally decrease the morbidity associated with surgery and have good early results.
However, they must prove themselves within the framework of this equation by showing that the long-term results of this technique are also good. In this study we have done, we aimed to compare the results of conventional mitral valve surgery performed with sternotomy for many years and robotic mitral valve surgery, which continues to develop.