Scar-specific outcomes following minimally invasive versus conventional median sternotomy in cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Karanjot Chhatwal, Anthony On Chun Siu, Sammy Arab et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated scar-specific outcomes in 3131 adult cardiac surgery patients comparing minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) to conventional median sternotomy (FMS). MICS showed significantly better scar assessment scores (SMD -0.74) and higher patient satisfaction rates (RR 1.42), alongside reduced wound complications (RR 0.31).
Key findings
- MICS demonstrated significantly better scar assessment scores (SMD -0.74, p < 0.01).
- Patients reported higher satisfaction rates with MICS compared to FMS (RR 1.42, p < 0.001).
- MICS was associated with reduced wound complications (RR 0.31, p < 0.001).
Why it matters
As cosmetic outcomes become increasingly important in cardiac surgery, understanding the benefits of MICS over FMS can inform patient-centered care and shared decision-making, particularly when clinical outcomes are comparable.
What to keep in mind
Only six studies reported validated scar assessment scores, indicating a gap in standardized evaluation.