Effect of minimally invasive cardiac surgery compared with conventional surgery on post-operative physical activity and rehabilitation in patients with valvular heart disease

Background Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has steadily become more and more popular. MICS is less invasive and has a faster return to normality after surgery. Patients who had MICS continue to exercise more frequently than those who had the conventional median sternotomy surgery. It is generally established that physical activity lowers mortality and the risk of cardiac disease. The purpose of the study: is to evaluate and compare physical activity levels in MICS and conventional surgery. Result The level of preoperative physical activity did not significantly differ between the two groups. However, the MICS group significantly exceeded the conventional group in terms of postoperative progress, amount of physical activity, and 6-minute walking test. Also, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was significantly less. Conclusion Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has a higher margin of benefit, and speedy recovery to normality, which is accompanied by a lower VAS score and increased physical activity in comparison to conventional surgery.