Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

Fontan Procedure: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

The Fontan procedure is performed in children with a special type of congenital disorders that leaves them with a single functioning ventricle. There are two ventricles in the heart, one supplies blood to the lungs while the other pumps blood to the rest of the body parts.

Some children may be born with just one functional ventricle because of an absence of a heart valve or an abnormality in the ability of the ventricles to pump blood. As a result, a single ventricle has to work hard to supply blood to the lungs and the rest of the body at the same time. In such children, the Fontan procedure is performed.

The Fontan procedure is usually conducted when the child is between the age two and five. However, it can be conducted before two years of age. The Fontan procedure is contraindicated in children with high pulmonary vascular resistance. This is because as a part of this procedure, the blood must flow through the lungs without the pumping function of the heart. The Fontan procedure is also contraindicated in children with mitral insufficiency, left ventricular dysfunction, and pulmonary artery hypoplasia. The Fontan operation is also conducted in adults with this defect. The treatment is more complicated in such patients, as adults are more likely to develop Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE). It is a condition in which the protein is lost through the gut and it may lead to internal bleeding and fluid retention. But the complications resolve on its own when the surgery is performed. Such patients may sometimes even need a heart transplant.

A number of routine tests are conducted well before the day of the surgery to check for the overall health of the patient. Some of these tests include blood tests (haemoglobin test, blood group test, kidney function and liver function tests), urine tests, X-ray of the chest, and an electrocardiogram to check for the electrical activity of the heart.

Some cases may be required to undergo a liver biopsy, an ultrasound scan, and a CT scan. Patients may be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications weeks before the day of the surgery. They may also be advised to get seek admission into the hospital a day before the scheduled surgery. An overnight fasting is required before the surgery, In case of children, intravenous fluid may be administrated to maintain hydration. Patients may be given sedation a night before the surgery so that they can sleep well.

The Fontan procedure is performed under the influence of general anesthesia. The patient is shifted to the surgical room an hour before the actual time of the surgery. General anesthesia is administered and once the patient is in deep sleep, a tube is inserted into the windpipe.

The body of the patient is connected to machines so that his or her vital parameters can be observed throughout the surgery and after that.The main purpose of the surgery is to optimize the Fontan circulation so that a single ventricle is able to effectively pump pure blood to the entire body and the impure blood to the lungs without any pumping mechanism. During the surgery, the surgeon opens the thoracic cavity by cutting through the sternum, which is a bone attached to the ribs. Doing so provides direct access to the heart.

Next, the surgeon uses either the extra-cardiac method or the lateral tunnel method to make the impure blood reach the lungs. The create a hole between the Fontan circuit and the right atrium to relieve the pressure. The hole, also known as “fenestration,” closes of its own later or can be closed off later with the help of cardiac catheterization.

The patient is transferred to the recovery room after the surgery and this is where all his or her vital signs are monitored for a couple of hours. Once the patient is stable, he or she is transferred to the cardiac ward.

The doctors may administer painkillers to control pain after the surgery. Expect the patient to be kept in the hospital for a few days. Additionally, eating and drinking are restricted for a few days after the surgery. Once the bowel movement resumes normally, the patient is given a light diet and fluids. This may take anywhere from two to three days. The medications and fluids are administered through an IV line until the patient starts taking normal diet. The dressing is changed every day during the hospital stay. A majority of patients are able to return to their normal routine within the first three months of the surgery. They are advised to increase their activities gradually and not to exert themselves too much.

Cost of Fontan Surgery

The cost of Fontan surgery in India is much less as compared to other countries in the world. This is the reason why parents of the children with this heart defect prefer to fly down to India for this procedure.

It is estimated that by opting to undergo Fontan surgery in India, patients from the Western countries are able to save thousands of dollars. The Fontan surgery cost in India is the lowest among all popular medical tourist destinations.The following table highlights the Fontan procedure cost in India and some of the other popular medical tourism destinations:

Treatment cost in India: 8000
Treatment cost in Turkey: 13000
Treatment cost in United Arab Emirates: n/a
Treatment cost in Israel: n/a
Treatment cost in Singapore: n/a
Treatment cost in Spain: n/a
Treatment cost in Thailand: n/a
Treatment cost in Greece: n/a
Treatment cost in Saudi Arabia: n/a
Treatment cost in South Africa: n/a
Treatment cost in Lithuania: n/a
Treatment cost in Switzerland: n/a
Treatment cost in Tunisia: n/a
Treatment cost in Czechia: n/a
Treatment cost in Hungary: n/a
Treatment cost in Malaysia: n/a
Treatment cost in Morocco: n/a
Treatment cost in South Korea: n/a
Treatment cost in United Kingdom: n/a

Please Enquire

Required | alphabets and spaces
Required | A valid, working email address
Required | A valid contact

NOTE: With this information, I as a user, give MediGence the permission to access my healthcare related data and information to help me get the expert opinion. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.

Best Fontan Procedure Hospitals

Assuta Hospital

Assuta Hospital

Tel Aviv, Israel

Assuta Medical Center is a leading private hospital in the capital city of Tel Aviv in Israel. Assut...more

FACILITIES

family accomodation Accommodation

flight booking Airport Transfer

special dietery food Choice of Meals

interpreter services Interpreter

Joint Commission International, or JCI

Yanhee Hospital is one of the best multiple-service hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand offers a wide spe...more

FACILITIES

family accomodation Accommodation

flight booking Airport Transfer

special dietery food Choice of Meals

phone in the room SIM

Joint Commission International, or JCI
Parkway Pantai

Parkway Pantai

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

History Parkway Pantai Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is operating under the Parkway Pantai gro...more

FACILITIES

family accomodation Accommodation

flight booking Airport Transfer

special dietery food Choice of Meals

interpreter services Interpreter

Joint Commission International, or JCI

Consult Online with World’s Best Fontan Procedure

View All Doctors
Dr. Bikram K Mohanty

Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon

Delhi, India

27 Years of experience

USD  42 for video consultation

Dr. Rajesh Sharma

Pediatric Cardio Thoracic Surgeon

Delhi, India

30 Years of experience

USD  52 for video consultation

Dr. Dinesh Kumar Mittal

Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgeon

Delhi, India

20 Years of experience

USD  32 for video consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I exercise after undergoing Fontan surgery?

A: While light exercising can be tolerated, make sure not to stress yourself. Seek approval from the doctor to set a limit to exercise.

Q: Is pregnancy an issue after having Fontan operation?

A: Pregnancy involves a few cardiovascular changes that may ultimately put the health of the fetus at risk. Therefore, consult your doctor before planning pregnancy and avoid any complications.

Q: When do I need to visit a doctor again?

A: Once you undergo Fontan surgery, you are required to visit a doctor on a regular basis for the rest of your life.

Q: How long does it take to perform Fontan procedure?

A: It takes anywhere from five to six hours for the procedure to be completed. However, it may take longer in some cases.