The Ross-Konno is a high-risk procedure when compared with the Ross operation in children

For children who require aortic valve replacement, the pulmonary autograft (Ross procedure) may be the ideal substitute. However, performing a modified Konno procedure at the time of autograft implantation (Ross-Konno) may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A retrospective study was undertaken to compare the outcomes of Ross-Konno (RK) and the Ross (R) procedures including the need for reinterventions and long-term survival.

Between 1993 and 2011, 78 children (mean age, 11.1 ± 5.6 years; range, 1 week to 18 years) underwent the Ross procedure. Modified Konno-type enlargement of the left ventricular outflow tract was performed in 18 of those patients.

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to pathologic process, sex, concomitant procedures, and aortic gradient. Our data demonstrate that mean age (R, 12.9 years versus RK, 5.3 years; p < 0.001), mean size of allograft (R, 23.3 mm versus RK, 20.1 mm; p < 0.001), previous surgery (R, 51% versus RK, 83%; p = 0.05), and postoperative morbidity (R, 3% versus RK, 28%; p = 0.003) were significantly different between the groups. There were 3 hospital deaths (all RK with mitral valve anomalies). Actuarial survival at 10 years was significantly better for Ross patients than Ross-Konno (R, 96% versus RK, 72%; p = 0.001). Freedom from autograft, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and cumulative reoperations at 10 years were not significantly different between groups.

The risk of death and postoperative complications after the Ross-Konno procedure is higher than for the Ross procedure. Preoperative complexity (including mitral valve anomalies) is associated with significantly higher morbidity and mortality. Autograft insufficiency and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction are common postoperative complications, requiring reoperation in one quarter of patients, but these were not significantly different between the groups.