Complications and Successful Outcomes of Cardiac Surgery of Infants

Many conditions which require a surgery can be dealt with by fairly simple methods. Others can only be done using the heart-lung bypass machine which is known as the 'open heart' surgery. The machine will take over the work of the patient's heart and lungs while the surgeon operates inside the heart itself. This type of surgery involves different risks which is not necessarily high than that as in the case of other type of heart surgeries. Particular problems relating to individual cases will be discussed with parents when surgery is being considered for their child.

There might be complications from heart surgery, but nowadays, with improved technology in surgical procedures the risk of complications is continually being reduced. Complications mainly depend on the type of surgery being performed and it completely varies for every child according to the problems that will require surgery. Risk of complication in heart surgery procedures are very low, specifically death risks or serious complications are less than 3%. In most of the cases, children who undergo heart surgeries keep well. They might have to spend a few days in hospital but can get back to their regular activities in some time.

However, some of the possible complications of heart surgery are noted below:

1. There are chances for bleeding around the area of the surgery which can require transfusion or even re-operation. But, the chances and need for this is only about 2%
2. Infections in the surgical area, lungs and bloodstream.
3. In some cases, there might be fluid collection in the chest or around the heart. This might require drains to be inserted.
4. Poor heart functioning is another complication, this might be due to the condition itself or the surgery or may be both. Heart Valves can be damaged, though it is rarely found in patients.
5. Kidney failure is a very complication, and can be almost recovered with a period of dialysis. This is more common in newborns.
6. A stroke is another rare complication and children tend to recover better than adults. It can be due to a period of low blood flow to the brain or a blood clot or air bubble.
7. In newborns, there are chances for intestinal damage. In such cases the child might be recommended to intravenous feeding and will have to be on antibiotics for few weeks. Sometimes it is necessary to perform intestinal surgery.
8. Chances of nerve damage are also another possible complication.

Remember, these are some of the possible risks of a Heart surgery in children and this can vary according to the type of surgery performed. Your surgeon will discuss all the complications related with the type of surgery being performed for your child right in advance before the surgery.

After the surgery, most of the children who have a closed heart surgery will have to stay in the hospital for few days. Children who undergo an open heart surgery might require to stay in the intensive care unit for 2 to 4 days and will have to stay in the hospital (after out from the ICU) for another 5 to 7 days. Parents and care takers will be taught on what all activities your child can involve in after leaving the hospital. Your child will require few more weeks of rest at home and might not be allowed to involve in certain activities that might strain the heart. Your doctor will guide you on what all activities can your child involve in and what not to. The outcome of heart surgery depends on the type of surgery undergone, the child’s condition and also the seriousness of the defect. However, it is seen that most of the children recover completely and lead a happy, normal and active life.