Patients’ Satisfaction and Complications after Muscle Biopsy for Malignant Hyperthermia Diagnostics - Abstract
Introduction: The gold-standard to diagnose malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility is the in-vitro-contracture test (IVCT) requiring an open muscle biopsy. The aim of the presented investigation was to evaluate intra- and postoperative patients’ satisfaction and the incidence of serious complications following muscle biopsy for MH diagnostics.
Subjects and methods: In a retrospective study anonymous standardized questionnaires were sent out to 149 patients who underwent muscle biopsy and IVCT according to the diagnostic guidelines of the European MH-Group at the department of Anesthesia and Critical Care of the University of Wuerzburg between 2006 and 2012. Questions concerning general conditions and postoperative recovery were included.
Results: 96 patients returned the questionnaires. 29 individuals were classified MH susceptible and 67 MH non-susceptible. Patients felt well informed about the procedure, were content with the anesthetic procedure and appreciated the friendliness of the staff. Complications of wound healing were uncommon. However, postoperative pain and dysesthesia of the scar appeared more problematic. The duration of pain varied between 0 and 35 days. After the test 81% of the patients indicated feeling safer for future operative procedures.
Conclusions: Muscle biopsy for IVCT is generally well accepted by the patients and serious complications are rare. However, main problems still consist in postoperative pain and in some cases long lasting physical restrictions.