Browse verified doctors or let our care team help you find the doctor best suited to your condition, treatment goals, and budget.
Johannesburg, South Africa
| Speciality | Cardiac Sciences |
| Procedure | Fontan Procedure |
| Success Rate | 90-95% |
| Recovery Time | Few days |
| Treatment Time | 5-6 hours |
| Chances of Recurrence | 5% |
The Fontan procedure is a complex surgery that is typically performed to treat congenital heart defects that result in a single functional ventricle in the heart. The Fontan procedure is usually followed by another surgical intervention known as the Glenn procedure. During the surgery, oxygen-poor blood is rerouted to go to the pulmonary artery from the lower body instead of going through the heart. This helps improve oxygenation and circulation in the body.
The Fontan procedure is used to treat congenital heart defects such as tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), pulmonary atresia, and other conditions where the heart has only one functional pumping chamber.
Recovery after the Fontan procedure is usually challenging. The hospital stay lasts from 1 to 2 weeks. Initially, patients may be kept on medications to support heart function and prevent complications. Physical activity and movement are gradually increased under medical supervision. Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the heart's function and overall health. Long-term care and management are crucial to ensuring the best possible outcomes and quality of life for the patient. Rehabilitation is suggested by the team of healthcare experts.
