[Tetralogy of Fallot. A 20-year material]

Surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot may be a first stage palliation with secondary physiologic correction or repair as a primary procedure. The aim of palliation is to increase the pulmonary blood flow. Since 1981 we have used an interposition shunt between the subclavian and the pulmonary artery for this purpose. Repair comprises closure of the ventricular septal defect and relief of the pulmonary stenosis. A primary repair may be performed if the pulmonary arteries have reached a certain size. The size and function of the left ventricle must also be able to cope with the increased work load. During the last 20 years, 333 operative procedures have been performed in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. This material comprises 107 shunts and 226 repairs. The total mortality while in hospital was 6%. During the last period from 1990 until January 1993 the mortality in hospital was 3% after operative repair. There have been no mortality following palliative procedures during the same period.