Surgical correction of congenital heart defects in adults

From April 1987 to April 1991, 30 patients over the age of 15 years underwent surgery for congenital heart defects in the adult department of the Professorial Unit of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Eighteen were females (60%) and 12 were males (40%). Ages ranged from 15 to 68 years (mean 38.1). Six patients 20% had undergone previous cardiac surgery. Operative and hospital mortality was zero. Major postoperative complications occurred in three patients. In the follow-up period between three months and four years, there has been one late death. The spectrum of patients with congenital heart defects over the age of 15 was reviewed. The relatively late presentation of these defects and the indications for operating in adult life are discussed.