ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Since the first correction of tetralogy of Fallot in 1955, the optimal age for total correction has been in continuous debate and remains a controversy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Here we present our experience with 44 patients with tetralogy of Fallot which was surgically corrected in the first year of life. In 37 cases total correction was achieved with the first operation. In the remaining 7 cases previous palliative surgery was performed. Details of surgical decision making, hemodynamic data and surgical procedure are described in detail. RESULTS: There were 8 deaths (18.1% mortality rate). There were no deaths in the last 24 consecutive cases. Complications, need for reoperation and long-term follow-up of the 36 survivors are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: After a detailed analysis of both results and follow-up, our surgical criteria is described, with the intention of performing palliative surgery in only a restricted number of cases of tetralogy of Fallot where the anatomy is unfavorable for total correction with a single intervention.
