[Congenital heart defects in adults from the viewpoint of the surgeon]

The adolescent generation of patients operated in childhood on account of congenital heart disease is a new health and social problem. Kardiocentrum for children in Motol started its activities in 1977. A concept of care for children with congenital heart disease was elaborated and gradually all surgical methods used worldwide were introduced. The advances in cardiosurgery along with the development of diagnostic methods and intervention catheterization in particular balloon valvuloplasty and angioplasty make high standard and effective treatment of practically the entire spectrum of congenital heart disease in children of all age groups possible. The cardiac surgeon tries nowadays to resolve problems of inborn heart disease already in early childhood. Before a possible re-operation in adult age he must take into account how the result of the first operation affected the patient's growth and development. He is interested in particular in the fate of implants, surgically induced pathology and the influence of growth on the reconstruction. Despite intensive research, so far the long-term prognosis of patients after some types of surgery is not clear (e.g. transposition of the great arteries, Fontan's operation and its modifications). An adult patient congenital hearth disease should receive care of a specialized cardiologist who has personal experience with the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease. If surgery is necessary it should be performed in a specialised department equipped as regards staff, technical devices and funds for these special operations.