The Norwood
operation is the first of three surgeries that are performed in order to
correct hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The procedure is performed when the
infant is less than a week old and involves reconstructing the major vessels to
allow the heart’s right ventricle to supply blood to the body.
Also Known As:
- Heart surgery
- Norwood
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome repair
Conditions Treated with the Norwood
Operation:
The Norwood
operation is performed in cases of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a fatal
congenital heart defect characterized by an underdeveloped left side of the
heart.
There are no
comparable non-surgical alternatives to the Norwood operation. A pediatric
heart transplant is a surgical alternative to the procedure.
Anesthesia with the Norwood Operation:
The Norwood
operation is performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient
is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential Complications from the Norwood
Operation:
Possible risks
following the Norwood operation include infection, bleeding, nerve damage,
coronary artery disease and a negative reaction to the anesthesia.
Prognosis after the Norwood Operation:
The prognosis for a
positive end result following the Norwood operation is fair. The survival rate
is 75 percent after the first procedure and about 90 percent after all three
procedures.
Recovery from the Norwood Operation:
Total recovery from
the Norwood operation takes six to eight weeks.
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