About Congenital Heart Surgery
Key Highlights
-
Corrects life-threatening structural heart defects present from birth.Performed by surgeons specially trained in pediatric cardiac care.Can be open-heart or minimally invasive, depending on the condition.Aims to restore normal heart function and blood circulation.Often enables normal growth, development, and activity levels for the child.Utilizes advanced technology like heart-lung bypass machines for support during complex repairs./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Septal defects (holes in the heart), such as Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) or Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD).
- Obstructive defects like coarctation of the aorta or pulmonary/pulmonary valve stenosis.
- Cyanotic heart diseases, including Tetralogy of Fallot or Transposition of the Great Arteries.
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) that does not close with medication.
- Complex single-ventricle defects requiring staged surgical palliation (e.g., Norwood procedure).
- Valve abnormalities that are severe and causing heart strain or failure.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, and imaging (MRI/CT).
- Multidisciplinary team consultation involving cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and intensivists.
- Pre-operative blood tests, chest X-ray, and ECG to assess overall health.
- Discussion of the surgical plan, risks, and benefits with the child's family.
- Fasting for a specified period before surgery as directed by the medical team.
- Management of any active infections or other medical conditions prior to surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding during or after surgery, which may require transfusion or re-operation.
- Infection at the surgical site or systemic infection.
- Reactions to anesthesia.
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) requiring medication or a pacemaker.
- Stroke or neurological injury due to clots or air emboli.
- Kidney or lung complications.
- Need for additional surgeries in the future.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) for close monitoring.
- Pain management with appropriate medications.
- Gradual resumption of feeding and mobilization as tolerated.
- Careful monitoring of vital signs, heart function, and surgical wounds.
- Education for parents on home care, including medication administration, wound care, and activity restrictions.
- Long-term follow-up with a pediatric cardiologist to monitor heart function, growth, and development.
- Cardiac rehabilitation and activity guidance as the child grows.
-
Typical hospital stay: 7-21 days
-
Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery and return to normal activities may take several months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering congenital heart surgery in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with pediatric cardiac surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform congenital heart surgery. 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 congenital heart surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 2,719 – USD 16,315 | 7-21 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery and return to normal activities may take several months | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 20,131 – USD 120,788 | 7-21 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery and return to normal activities may take several months | Know More |
As a follow-up patient for over...
As a follow-up patient for over five years, I’ve seen Dr. Coelho evolve but never lose his personal touch. He remembers small details about my life and always asks how school is going, it feels like visiting family, not just a doctor.