Sani Konukoğlu Tıp Merkezi, Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Kliniği, Gaziantep

Between May 1999 - March 2004, eight patients were operated on with myxoma diagnosis. All patients were female. The ages were ranged between 40-72 years (mean 53.8±9.4). Six patients had left, two patients right atrial myxoma. One patient was operated on urgently due to acute pulmonary edema. Physical findings were syncope in one patient and palpitation in six patients. All patients were diagnosed by echocardiographic examination and underwent coronary angiography before the operation. Operation was carried out with cardiopulmonary bypass. Left atrial myxomas were operated with biatrial approach. Myxomas were extirpated with the basement and 2-3 cm normal atrial septal tissue around it. The ASD was closed with primarily in 3 patients, pericardial patch in 3 patients and PTFE patch in 2 patients. Two patients also required tricuspid Kay annuloplasty. No complication was seen at the postoperative period. All patient were discharged at the postoperative sixth day. Myxomas are benign tumors and cause embolic complications, syncope, palpitation and dipnea. Diagnosis is quite easy and made by echocardiography. Treatment is surgery. Total removal of the basement and normal tissue around it is essential for prevention of recurrence. Biatrial approach is necessary for left sided myxomas.