[Surgery of the mitral valve--in the work of József Kudász].

The author described his results of surgical treatment of mitral valve disease. Of 57 patients, the isolated mitral procedure was performed in 72%, and the combined (valve and coronary) in 28% of the cases. In 75% of the patients valve repair, and in 25% valve replacement were performed. There were 2 cases (3.5%) of early mortality after combined surgery where patients had also ischaemic heart disease. All the replaced valve prostheses and 84% of repaired mitral valve had a normal function. The mitral regurgitation was moderate in 14%, of cases and mild in 2% of cases at the follow up, but no reoperation was needed. After the surgery 85% of patients had sinus rhythm, 13% had atrial arrhythmia and in 2% the pacemaker was needed. Attempt of valve repair had to be made in all patients with mitral valve disease which can be performed in almost every case of degenerative valve prolapse and the rupture of chordae tendineae.