7 Fontan Doctors in Bangalore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fontan Surgery?

Fontan Surgery is a type of open-heart surgery to treat the developmental heart defect called Hypoplastic left heart syndrome. It is a rare and near-fatal developmental defect of the heart characterized by an underdeveloped right and left ventricles of the heart. Fontan Surgery is the last stage of the series of surgeries performed for the treatment of this heart defect.

What are the series of surgeries involved in Fontan Surgery?

Treatment for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome starts with:

1. Norwood Surgery: The surgery is performed when the newborn is 1-2 weeks old
2. Glenn Surgery: The surgery is performed when the infant is 4-6 months old
3. Fontan Surgery: The surgery is performed when the baby is 3-4 years old

What are the indications of Fontan Surgery?

Fontan Surgery is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Underdeveloped left ventricle
2. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
3. Hypoplastic left ventricle along with patent ductus arteriosus

Who are the best surgeons to perform Fontan Surgery?

A certified and trained Pediatric Cardiology Surgeon who is well experienced in performing Fontan Surgery can perform this surgery.

What is the cost of Fontan Surgery?

Cost of Fontan Surgery depends on factors such as:

1. Admission charges
2. Consultation fee
3. Patient age
4. Type of hospital
5. Type of grafts/stents used
6. Post-surgical complications that are involved

Is Fontan Surgery a major surgery or minor surgery?

Fontan Surgery is major surgery as it involves the surgical reconstruction and redirection of blood from the lower body directly to the lungs without passing through the heart.

What are the risks and complications associated with Fontan Surgery?

Few of the risks and complications associated with Fontan Surgery are:

1. Loss of blood
2. Graft failure
3. The requirement of a revision surgery
4. Irregular heartbeat
5. Pulmonary embolism
6. Stroke

How long does it take to complete Fontan Surgery?

Fontan Surgery may take around 3-5 hours to complete.

What is the recovery time for Fontan Surgery?

Individuals with Fontan Surgery may take 1-2 months for a full recovery.

What is the success rate of Fontan Surgery?

The success rate of Fontan Surgery depends on the following factors: 

1. Patient age and medical condition
2. Experience of the surgeon

However, the success rate of Fontan Surgery maybe 90-95%

Is Fontan Surgery  Permanent?

Fontan Surgery is a permanent surgery to treat the improper blood circulation caused due to the underdevelopment of ventricles of the heart.

What are the long-term results of Fontan Surgery?

Few of the long term results of Fontan Surgery are:

1. Overall improvement in the blood circulation from the lower body to the lungs.
2. Fewer chances of occurrence of stroke, pulmonary embolism or Fontan Failure.

Can Fontan Surgery be detected in the future?

Fontan Surgery can be detected in the future by the presence of surgical scars on the chest and few cardiac diagnostic and imaging tests.

What are the options if Fontan Surgery fails?

In case of a failed Fontan Surgery, the individual may require revision surgery or the individual may have to undergo a heart transplantation surgery.