During the Fontan operation, oxygen-poor blood is
redirected from the lower half of the body to the pulmonary artery, which
carries blood to the lungs.
Also
Known As:
Conditions
Treated with Fontan Operation:
Fontan operation is the last of three operations
that are performed in order to treat hyoplastic left heart syndrome, a fatal
congenital heart defect.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
Fontan operation. A pediatric heart transplant is a surgical alternative.
Anesthesia
with Fontan Operation:
Fontan operation is performed under general
anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware
during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from Fontan Operation:
Possible risks following Fontan operation include
infection, bleeding, nerve damage and a negative reaction to the anesthesia.
Prognosis
after Fontan Operation:
The prognosis for a positive end result following
Fontan operation is good. After all three surgeries, the survival rate is about
90 percent.
Recovery
from Fontan Operation:
Total recovery from
Fontan operation takes six to eight weeks.