The role of cardiac surgery in radiation-associated heart disease: a scoping review

ConclusionIrradiated patients have heightened peri-operative risk, but other than redo surgery, these operations are not as treacherous as once thought. Involvement of all layers of the heart, especially the myocardium, is such that long-term mortality suffers despite optimal surgical correction. The goal of surgery in this cohort should be for a quick and safe operation, rather than a technically difficult procedure aimed at longevity.
Source: General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research