Adult tetralogy repair: factors affecting early outcome in the current era

Abstract

Background The benefits of surgical correction of adult tetralogy of Fallot are well known. The current recommendation is for total correction regardless of age. This study analyzed perioperative factors affecting early outcome after corrective surgery in adulthood in the current era. Methods This was a retrospective chart review of 40 consecutive patients over 18 years of age who underwent total correction of tetralogy of Fallot from September 2006 to June 2013. Patients with pulmonary atresia and absent pulmonary valve were excluded. The mean age at surgery was 26.60 ± 8.69 years (range 18–49 years). Results The mean intensive care unit stay was 3.30 ± 2.29 days (range 0.75–12 days) and hospital stay was 9.97 ± 3.39 days (range 7–22 days). Mortality was 5% (2/40). Multiple parameters indicating immediate postoperative outcomes and their relationships to selected pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors were analyzed. Multivariate analysis showed that postoperative right ventricular dysfunction had a significant influence on mortality ( p < 0.001) and hospital stay ( p = 0.01). Performing zero-balance ultrafiltration decreased the need for renal replacement therapy ( p = 0.034), duration of ventilation ( p = 0.009), incidence of low cardiac output ( p = 0.006), intensive care unit stay ( p = 0.01), and hospital stay ( p = 0.009). Conclusions Total correction of tetralogy of Fallot is a safe option for presentations as late as adulthood. The protective effect of zero-balance ultrafiltration on postoperative morbidity needs to be reassessed in larger studies.