About Tetralogy of Fallot
Key Highlights
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Corrects four critical heart defects in a single procedure.Dramatically improves oxygen levels in the blood (cyanosis).Enables normal physical growth and development in children.Significantly reduces the risk of long-term complications like arrhythmias.High success rate with modern surgical techniques, allowing for a near-normal life expectancy.Often performed as a complete repair, potentially avoiding the need for multiple staged surgeries./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of Tetralogy of Fallot in an infant or child.
- Presence of significant cyanosis (blue skin discoloration due to low oxygen).
- Hypercyanotic "tet" spells (episodes of severe cyanosis and breathlessness).
- Failure to thrive or poor weight gain due to the heart defect.
- Increasing severity of right ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
- Progressive enlargement of the right ventricle.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic tests including echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, and chest X-ray.
- Pre-operative consultation with a pediatric cardiologist and cardiac surgeon.
- Management of any ongoing infections or illnesses.
- Fasting for a specified period (typically 6-8 hours) before surgery.
- Administration of pre-operative medications as directed by the medical team.
- Discussion of the surgical plan, risks, and post-operative care with the family.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding during or after surgery.
- Infection at the surgical site or in the bloodstream.
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
- Damage to the heart's electrical system, potentially requiring a pacemaker.
- Residual or recurrent pulmonary valve leakage or narrowing.
- Stroke or neurological injury.
- Reaction to anesthesia.
- Need for re-operation in the future, particularly for pulmonary valve replacement.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for close monitoring of heart function, breathing, and vital signs.
- Pain management with appropriate medications.
- Gradual removal of chest tubes, pacing wires, and intravenous lines as the child stabilizes.
- Transfer to a regular hospital room where feeding and mobility are encouraged.
- Education for parents on wound care, medication administration, and signs of complications.
- Follow-up appointments with the pediatric cardiologist for lifelong monitoring of heart health and function.
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Typical hospital stay: 10-14 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering tetralogy of fallot in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for tetralogy of fallot in India include Manipal Hospital Siliguri, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform tetralogy of fallot. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric cardiac surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for tetralogy of fallot compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 10-14 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 2.8 Million | 10-14 days | ~ 6-8 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Tetralogy of Fallot in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pediatric cardiac surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing tetralogy of fallot.
James Saxena is a 4-month-old infant,...
James Saxena is a 4-month-old infant, the first child of software engineers who moved from India to California. At his 2-month checkup, his pediatrician heard a loud heart murmur. James had episodes of turning blue, especially when crying or feeding, and he struggled to gain weight, often becoming breathless and exhausted after a few minutes of bottle-feeding. His parents were terrified by these "tet spells." A pediatric cardiologist confirmed Tetralogy of Fallot via echocardiogram and recommended a complete surgical repair within the next few months to prevent long-term complications. At 5 months old, James underwent open-heart surgery. The procedure, lasting several hours, successfully closed the ventricular septal defect and widened the narrowed pulmonary valve. In the Pediatric Cardiac ICU, James was on a ventilator for a day, surrounded by wires and monitors. His recovery was closely monitored for a week in the hospital. Post-procedure, James's oxygen levels normalized immediately, his pink complexion was a profound relief to his parents. At a 6-month follow-up, he was thriving, gaining weight steadily, and his energetic cries were now a welcome sound. The emotional journey was a rollercoaster; his parents grappled with fear and guilt before the surgery, but the successful outcome filled them with immense gratitude and a cautious optimism for their son's active future.
Pediatric Cardiac surgeons for Tetralogy of Fallot
Explore experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons who regularly perform tetralogy of fallot and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 20 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 17 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon