Patients with substance use disorders (SUDs) who undergo valve repair or replacement are often readmitted to the hospital after discharge secondary to recidivism. These "dread to treat" patients pose a unique dilemma for cardiac surgeons who often must make the extremely difficult decision of whether to perform a valve replacement in a recidivist patient with SUDs. This editorial focuses on illuminating strategies which surgeons can administer to patients with SUDs to improve quality of care and reduce provider distress.
Keywords: behavioral interventions; intravenous drug abuse; substance use disorders; surgeon wellness; valve repair/replacement.
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