Postoperative Complications and Patient’s Satisfaction after Harvesting of the Radial Artery for Coronary Artery Bypass

Objectives: There is a paucity of data regarding wound-site complications and patient's satisfaction after harvesting of a radial artery. This study is conducted to evaluate the frequency complications and the level of patient's satisfaction after myocardial revascularization in our setting. Methods: From April 2009 to October 2013, 97 patients had radial artery (RA) used as a graft in myocardial revascularization. The graft was harvested using open technique. This was retrospective study. Telephone questionnaire was used to evaluate: arm pain, swelling, mobility, sensory changes, patient's contentment with a cosmetic result and the general health state. Results: Pain of limited duration was reported by 24 patients (24.7%), none of them reported permanent pain. Some problems in performing everyday's activities were reported by 8 pts (8.2%). Sensory changes were permanently present in 5 pts (5.2%), and frequent arm fatigue was reported by 4 pts (4.1%). Positive opinion regarding the cosmetic result was reported by 95 pts (97.9%). State of the health after surgery, 81 pts (83.5%) described as excellent or good. Patients who had more mobility problems, also had more sensory and neurological discomfort respectively. Patients with better self-reported general health state were also more satisfied with the esthetic effect of the intervention. Conclusions: Using the open technique resulted in excellent cosmetic effect. This gives us credit to point out that exclusive need of the endoscopic as a supreme method might be under the question mark. Our study suggests that individual attitude of the particular patient plays extremely important role in his/her overall satisfaction with the end effect of the procedure.