Short And Midterm Outcome Of Fallot's Tetralogy Repair In Infancy: A Single Center Experience In A Developing Country

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
• Congenital Heart Disease Management

Background:

• Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair in infancy is a critical intervention.
• Global preference for primary repair between 3-12 months emphasizes its importance.
• This study evaluates single-center outcomes in a developing country context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the experience and outcomes of Tetralogy of Fallot repair in infancy.
• To assess short- and midterm results in a developing country's healthcare setting.
• To identify risk factors affecting patient outcomes post-TOF repair.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of infant TOF repair cases from January 2007 to February 2018.
• Analysis of preoperative, operative, and postoperative data.
• Outcomes assessed included mortality, low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS), intubation duration, and hospital stay.

Main Results:

• Forty-four infants underwent TOF repair; 11.3% experienced mortality.
• Low baseline saturation (≤75%) was an independent risk factor for LCOS and prolonged intubation.
• Significant improvements in mortality and key perioperative metrics were observed in the latter six years of the study period.

Conclusions:

• Infant TOF repair is a safe procedure when performed by experienced surgical teams.
• Acceptable morbidity and mortality rates are achievable.
• Continuous improvement in surgical expertise has led to better outcomes over time.