How to diminish reoperation rates after initial repair of tetralogy of Fallot?
GROUND: Complete correction of tetralogy of Fallot has good long-term results. Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and pulmonary insufficiency occur which require reintervention. The present study evaluated the efficacy of reoperation following complete correction of tetralogy of Fallot, the sites of recurrences and impact of techniques used at first operation. METHODS: Between 1980 and 1999, 501 patients underwent complete correction of tetralogy of Fallot. Reoperation rate was 7.4%. Residual or recurrent right ventricular outflow tract stenosis was seen in 25 patients (68%), and 7 patients (19%) had severe pulmonary insufficiency. Age at redo was 9.1+/-6.4 years. Restenosis was most frequently observed (75%) at the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery. Extended 1-patch enlargement was used until 1989 and thereafter changed to a 2-patch technique. RESULTS: Valvar-supravalvar 1-patch technique had a redo rate of 33.3%, compared with 4.3% for the 2-patch technique, p = 0.0264, wi
