Minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) offers benefits such as reduced surgical trauma and faster recovery. However, intraoperative hyperglycaemia during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a concern because of its association with adverse outcomes. While glycaemic control has been studied in conventional cardiac procedures, limited data exist on its impact in MICS.

To assess whether intraoperative blood glucose levels influence early postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital over 8.5 months. Forty patients undergoing elective MICS were divided into two groups according to intraoperative blood glucose levels: Group A (≤200 mg/dL, n=15) and Group B (≥201 mg/dL, n=25). Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data included neurocognitive outcomes using the Mini-Mental State Examination, duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay and the need for inotropic support. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0 with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Baseline characteristics were generally comparable, except for higher creatinine clearance in the hyperglycaemic group. No significant differences were found in neurocognitive function or mechanical ventilation time. A trend toward longer ICU stay was observed in Group B (p=0.082), while cooling temperatures during CPB were significantly higher in this group (p=0.046). One mortality occurred in the hyperglycaemic group.

Although not all findings reached statistical significance, intraoperative hyperglycaemia in MICS was associated with increased ICU stay and cooling intervention requirements. Improved intraoperative glucose management may support better recovery and resource efficiency. Larger prospective studies are recommended.