[Aortic valve operation in young adults].

Young adults who have to undergo aortic valve surgery will frequently have (relative) contraindications to oral anticoagulation therapy because either pregnancy is planned or their life-style is very active. This review focuses on the surgical options available and assesses the literature focusing on the experience with each option obtained in young adults. There are no randomized studies in this age group which compare mechanical aortic valve replacement with any alternative option with regard to survival, need for reoperation, or quality of life. Among the alternative techniques, the Ross-procedure (pulmonary autograft) and aortic valve repair are of special interest. With the Ross-procedure, there is a rather large experience in young adults, and the results up to 10 years postoperatively are excellent. Unfortunately, there is only limited experience with this technique beyond that time.