Surgical Versus Medical Therapy for Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: A Meta-Analysis of 32 Studies.

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is associated with significant morbidity, and the optimal treatment strategy has not been clearly defined. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 studies comparing valve reoperation and medical therapy was performed; it included 2,636 patients, with a mean follow-up of 22 months. A valve reoperation was associated with a lower risk of 30-day mortality, greater survival at follow-up, and a similar rate of PVE recurrence. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and to clarify clinical decision-making regarding the timing and necessity of a valve reoperation, as opposed to treatment with medical therapy alone.