Mitral valvotomy in pregnancy.

Our experience over an 8-year period with 42 pregnant women with mitral stenosis who underwent valvotomy formed the basis of this study. Striking clinical disability was the indication for operation. Closed transventricular valvotomy offered excellent low-risk palliation. Pregnancy per se did not increase the operative risk. The long-term results of mitral valvotomy in pregnant women were the same as those of operations carried out in nonpregnant women. Mitral valvotomy done during pregnancy has no untoward effect on the fetus.