**3.9 Patient recovery**

Due to the benefits listed above, OPCAB provides overall decreased postoperative complications and mortality (Puskas et al., 2008, Reston et al., 2003, Legare et al., 2004). Postoperative hospitalization is shorter in OPCAB patients than that in on-pump CABG (Puskas et al., 2003, Cleveland et al., 2001, Van Dijk et al., 2001). Earlier patient recovery in OPCAB could be related to reduced inflammatory reaction compared to that after on-pump CABG. The benefits of early recovery following OPCAB are more strongly apparent in highrisk patients (Stamou et al., 2005, Puskas et al., 2009).
