Superior septal approach versus left atrial approach for mitral valve replacement: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of superior septal approach and left atrial approach for mitral valve replacement. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised records of patients who had undergone isolated mitral valve replacement from May 2003 to April 2012. Cases were reviewed for the outcomes [primary: loss of normal sinus rhythm; secondary: complications, residual defect and mortality]. Patients with prior history of dysrhythmia, low ejection fraction (<30%), emergency/redo mitral valve replacement and concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting were excluded. SPSS 19 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 78 patients, 52(66.67%) were of superior septal approach and 26(33.33%) of left atrial approach. Both groups were comparable for baseline variables except cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times, which were significantly shorter in the superior septal approach group than the left septal approach group (p<0.05). No residual atrial septal defect was found in any approach. Although loss of normal sinus rhythm was observed more frequent in superior septal approach 25(48%) compared to left septal approach 10(38.4%), but the difference was statistically insignificant (p=0.28). Age was the only significant variable affecting loss of normal sinus rhythm after adjusting for approaches. The difference of post-operative complications was also statistically insignificant between superior 9(17.3%) and left septal approach 4(15.38%) (p=1.0)]. CONCLUSIONS: The operative durations were significantly higher in left atrial approach compared to superior septal approach.

Psychosocial impact of cancer on adult patients.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effects of cancer on psychosocial aspects of Pakistani patients and their families, assessing the need for interventions to improve their quality of life. METHODS: A prospective, Cross-sectional study was performed on 200 patients visiting the oncology outpatient facility of AKUH from December 2010 to May 2011 through an interview. Responses were recorded on pre-designed questionnaires including FACT-G QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Quality Of Life) component. RESULTS: Out of the 200 patients 52 (26%) were males and 148 (74%) were females. Mean age was 51.8 +/- 14.2 years. Breast cancer accounted for the commonest cancer in females 116 (58%) and lung in males 30 (15%), 100 (50%) patients were currently undergoing chemotherapy. In all 148 (74%) patients were well aware of their diagnosis and were able to cope better and 142 (71%) were well supported by families (majority being financially stable). Major financial impact was found in 42 (21%) cases. Religious/spiritual help was sought by 138 (69%) patients predominantly females- 113 (76%) and 22 (11%) patients consulted a psychiatrist; 20 (94%) subjects of this group felt this intervention was helpful. Responses regarding effect on the patient's sexual life were poor and 126 (63%) denied answering the question. CONCLUSION: In our study one third of cancer patients were found to be depressed mainly affecting those who were receiving multimodality treatment or facing financial issues. Religious help was the main coping strategy for them.