Total correction of tetralogy of Fallot in adults--surgical experience

A total of 100 patients of tetralogy of Fallot aged 13 years and over were operated upon at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India between January 1991 and December 1996. There were 69 males (69%) and 31 females (31%). Age ranged from 13 years to 43 years (mean 19.66 years). Twenty % of patients had preoperative complications like haemoptysis, cerebrovascular accidents, brain abscess and infective endocarditis. Twenty-two patients had previous palliative shunts. Fifteen patients had coil embolisation of major collaterals prior to surgery. In hospital mortality rate was 4%. Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 5 years (mean 3.4 years). There was one late death due to infective endocarditis. Postoperatively 93.6% patients were in NYHA class I. Significant residual defects warranting re-operation were present in three patients. Total correction of tetralogy of Fallot in older patients can be performed with acceptable results.