Quality of life in patients undergoing mitral valve substitution

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the quality of life after mitral valve replacement through the analysis of behavioural, psychological, functional, economic and working changes, as well as alterations in social and sexual life after surgery. SETTING: The study was performed before and after surgery in a cardiological ward. POPULATION: The population studied included 206 patients undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery. Results were compared with a control population of patients suffering from mitral valve disease and receiving medical therapy. METHOD: All patients were asked by medical staff to compile a series of five self-evaluation questionnaires: General Well-Being Schedule, Physical Symptoms Distress Index B, Social Participation, Sexual Satisfaction Unified Test and Work Performance and Satisfaction. RESULTS: Our results showed a significant improvement in the perception of quality of life after mitral valve replacement. In particular, the state of general well-being improved significantly with a clear reduction in symptoms. This was accompanied by a reduction in sexual activity and no change in social life or working capacity. Data obtained in the group of patients operated showed a significant improvement in the perception of the quality of life and psycho-physical well-being compared to patients receiving medical treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS: From this study it can be seen that patients undergoing mitral valve replacement surgery experience a marked improvement in the quality of life compared to pre-operative conditions and to the group of patients receiving medical therapy for mitral valve diseases. The use of specific working and social rehabilitation programmes can certainly optimise the results also with regard to affective relations.