Do all congenital heart diseases require surgery?
The severity of the cardiac anomaly determines the seriousness of the disease and the type of treatment. Surgery is the treatment for most serious heart diseases, with the exception of medium or small heart holes that do not hinder the patient's healthy development or that may close on their own, mild vessel narrowings, and problems with heart valves.
What Is Cardiac Catheterization?
Cardiac catheterization is performed for diagnosis when echocardiography does not provide sufficient information and in patients scheduled for surgery; and for treatment as an alternative to surgical treatment in some congenital heart diseases (such as closure of PDA, ASD, some VSDs, occlusion of extra vessels, opening of valve or vessel narrowings). Cardiac catheterization can be applied to children of any age, starting from the first day after birth. Families are given the necessary information before this procedure. To prevent the child from feeling pain during the procedure, children are put to sleep by anesthetists trained in this field. The procedure begins by entering the vessels in the groin. Specialized instruments (catheters) are used for this method. The thin tubes placed in these vessels are advanced into the vessels and heart chambers. Contrast material is given through these instruments to visualize the heart, and after the necessary measurements are taken, the procedure is ended. The patient is monitored in the ward after the procedure and discharged 1 day after the procedure.
If Your Child Needs Surgery…
Treatment of congenital heart diseases requires special and meticulous care. The operating room and intensive care conditions in the treatment of pediatric heart diseases differ from those for adults. A team experienced and expert in pediatric cardiology, pediatric cardiac surgery and pediatric anesthesia is of great importance in the treatment of these diseases. Thanks to advancing technology and science, today children can be enabled to live near-normal, healthy lives following pediatric heart surgeries. After the necessary examinations and tests, a decision is made on whether your child should undergo surgery, following an evaluation by pediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Your child is admitted to the hospital shortly before surgery to prepare for the operation. Although your hospital stay may extend under some conditions, it is on average 5-10 days. During this process, necessary preparations will be made in a room specially designed for your child so that they feel at home. Your child's general health should be good before surgery. If there is any health problem such as flu, cold, or fever, be sure to inform your physicians. These conditions may cause the surgery to be postponed by a few days. If you would like to see the clothes given to children and the rooms we specially prepare for them, you can get help from our Inpatient Admission Officers. In addition, we will be with you with our Child and Adolescent Psychology Specialists to help the family get through such a process in a healthier way and to help you talk to your child about the surgery.
Preparation for Surgery
For the surgery to be carried out successfully, first of all, before surgery your child undergoes routine checks, such as liver and kidney functions and coagulation factors, by a pediatrician and a pediatric cardiologist. Since blood transfusion may be needed in heart surgeries, potential blood donors and the number of units to be taken (4 units for open-heart surgeries, 2 units for closed-heart surgeries) are determined and information is provided. Blood samples are meticulously screened for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, AIDS, and all types of infectious diseases.
Ward Period
Following treatment in the intensive care unit, your child is moved to the Pediatrics Service. In addition to daily care, respiratory therapy including coughing and breathing exercises is applied to prevent lung and breathing problems. After surgery, your child will be given a special diet. Before discharge, some tests will be performed to check your child's health status. You will be discharged when the test results and your child's general condition are good.
What Should Be Considered at Home?
Be careful about the use of medications given for home use.
Make sure your child stays active without overexertion.
You may let your child shower. However, avoid prolonged contact with soap to allow the surgical wound to heal.
Do not use very hot or cold water.
Let your child eat the foods they like.
Do not give overly fatty, salty or sugary foods.
If your child is young, prefer soft and easily digestible foods such as soups and baby food.
Never smoke around your child; do not stay in places where smoking takes place.
Warn them not to make movements that would cause strain on their chest.
Make sure they do not lie face down for 1 month after surgery and do not receive a blow to the chest for 3 months.
In case of any problem such as fever, breathing difficulty, or edema, contact your physician immediately and come to the hospital.
Last updated on 15.05.2015.
