Health status, functional abilities, and quality of life after the Mustard or Senning operation

Life expectancy of patients who underwent atrial switch operation for the transposition of the great arteries is relatively good. However, many patients are faced with residua and sequelae, which may hamper their functioning and quality of life. This multicenter study assessed the perceived health status, functional abilities, and quality of life in long-term survivors of the Mustard or Senning operation.

A group of 89 patients (58% male) were selected from four tertiary care centers, consisting of 37 Mustard and 52 Senning operation patients. Perceived health status was measured using a linear analog scale. The educational level, employment status, New York Health Association classification, ability index, and Baecke questionnaire were used to evaluate functional abilities. Quality of life was assessed with a linear analog scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Congenital Heart Disease-TNO/AZL Adult Quality of Life.

Patients reported good to very good perceived health, functional capacities, and quality of life. The responses of patients with complex transposition were equivalent to those of patients with simple transposition. The most dominant concerns reported by survivors of the Mustard and Senning operations were experiences about physical limitations and worries about a current or future job or income.

Long-term survivors after atrial inflow correction demonstrated favorable perceived health, functional status, and quality of life; these conditions were, to a large extent, comparable with the status of the general population. These outcome variables were not negatively affected by the complexity of the transposition.