Long-term follow-up of resection of primary benign right ventricular tumours: a 10-year surgical experience

INTRODUCTION: Primary benign right ventricular tumours are rare. They can cause significant mortality without appropriate and timely treatment. We investigated surgical treatment and survival characteristics for right ventricular tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2007 to 2017, 21 patients with primary benign right ventricular tumours who underwent tumour resection were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical findings and follow-up results were analysed. RESULTS: Thirteen men and eight women were enrolled, with a mean age of 42.3 ± 15.3 years. The most frequent histotypes were myxoma, haemangioma and papillary fibroelastoma. Eight patients underwent concomitant tricuspid valvuloplasty and one had tricuspid valve replacement. No major adverse events or death occurred during the perioperative period. One patient with haemangioma underwent partial tumour resection; however, the tumour regressed gradually during follow-up. Within the 10-year follow-up period (mean 4.8 ± 2.6 years), the recurrence-free and overall survival rates were 81.0% and 85.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Tumour resection for primary benign right ventricular tumours is safe and effective, and has a good prognosis. Tricuspid valvuloplasty or tricuspid valve replacement may be necessary for the resection of right ventricular tumours to improve the haemodynamics. Haemangiomas naturally undergo spontaneous regression.