When to do Heart Surgery?

Timing of Surgery

Neonatal (<1 month) surgeries to be done in more severe form of heart conditions like
TGA, Duct dependent pulmonary Circulation, Pulmonary Stenosis/Atresia ± VSD, Duct dependent systemic Circulation, Coarctation/ interrupted aortic arch and Obstructed TAPVC

Infant (<1 year) corrections are to be done in more severe form of heart conditions like
VSD/DORV, TAPVC, AV canal defects, Truncus Arteriosus and AP window etc. Ideally they should be operated around 3 months of age before they develop pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pre School  (<3 year) corrections are to be done in less severe form of heart diseases like
ASD, Moderate sized VSD, PDA, CoA, TOF, Single Ventricle, PS, Rastelli (conduit) procedure Presence of CHD - indication for surgery Almost all cases should be corrected by preschoolYoung age is not a risk factor

Follow Up

After surgical correction, these children require regular follow up for atleast once in 1-2 years after initial follow up after surgery. This is like a preventive check up for these children for early detection and treatment.

Life after surgery

Many children who have undergone complete correction live like normal children without any need for cardiac medication. There life expectancy and quality of life are near normal to normal population. They can get married and can have children. Children who had palliative surgery and surgery for complex congenital heart disease may have some long term associated problems requiring medication and surgical or catheter intervention. They need to use bacterial endocardiatic prophylaxis before any surgical intervention.