Comparative assessment of Fontan operation in modifications of atriopulmonary and total cavopulmonary anastomoses.

OBJECTIVES

The optimal technique of the Fontan operation remains disputable. This investigation was aimed at the comparison of atriopulmonary and total cavopulmonary anastomoses.

METHODS

The results of 81 operations of total cavopulmonary and 69 operations of atriopulmonary anastomosis, performed from 1983 to 1995 were analysed. A control study was carried out 1-10 (3.7 + 0.2) years after the operation in 80 patients (36 after total cavopulmonary and 44 after atriopulmonary anastomoses). 70 patients were studied several times. Cardiac catheterization was done in 70 patients. In 78 patients central hemodynamical indices were studied during exercise.

RESULTS

Preoperative hemodynamical indices were not reliably different in the two groups. Early mortality after total cavopulmonary anastomosis was 15%, after atriopulmonary anastomosis 23%. The highest mortality was seen when the criteria of Choussat et al. (Choussat et al. Pediatric Cardiology. Edinburgh: 1977:559-566) were surpassed. In the early postoperative period after total cavopulmonary anastomosis circulatory insufficiency was less marked, transsudation from pleural cavities was reliably lower (15.3 + 1.2 versus 25.5 + 1.8 ml/kg/day, P < 0.01). Arrhythmias were more common after total cavopulmonary anastomosis (18.5 versus 12%). Late mortality after total cavopulmonary anastomosis was 6%, after atriopulmonary anastomosis 12%. 82% of patients after atriopulmonary anastomosis and 81% after total cavopulmonary anastomosis were in NYHA classes 1 and 2.7% of patients after total cavopulmonary anastomosis and 11% after atriopulmonary anastomosis were reoperated. Physical tolerance rose stepwise in both groups and by the third post-operative year reached 75% of normal level. At this time we saw the most optimal hemodynamical indices during exercise. However, the best hemodynamics during exercise were seen after atriopulmonary anastomosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Total cavopulmonary anastomosis is accompanied by lower mortality rate and a more favourable course of early postoperative period. However, the best long-term functional results are obtained after atriopulmonary anastomosis.