Combined Mitral Valve Replacement and Ravitch Procedures in a Patient with Previous Pneumonectomy: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION

Significant anatomical and functional changes occur following pneumonectomy. Mediastinal structures displace toward the side of the resected lung, pulmonary reserve is reduced. Owing to these changes, surgical access to heart and great vessels becomes challenging, and there is increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We performed a mitral valve replacement combined with a Ravitch procedure in a young female with previous left pneumonectomy and pectus excavatum.

RESULTS

She was discharged on postoperative day 9 and remains symptom-free 3 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Thorough preoperative evaluation and intensive respiratory physiotherapy are essential before performing cardiac operations on patients with previous pneumonectomy.