Methods: Between January 2003 and April 2010, 19 patients (16 males, 3 females; mean age 76±45 days; range 11 to 174 days) who underwent surgery due to TA in our clinic were included. The mean weight of the patients was 3.5±1.8 kg (range 2.7-4.3 kg). Six patients (32%) were operated in neonatal period, while 13 patients (68%) were operated in early childhood. According to Van Praagh classification, 11 patients (58%) were type A1, six patients (32%) were type A2 and one patient (5%) were type A3. One patient with type A4 had accompanying type B-interrupted aortic arcus. Truncal valve was tricuspid in 15 patients (79%) and tetracuspid in four patients (21%). All patients underwent single complete surgical repair of TA. Xenografts were used for right ventricular-pulmonary artery connection. The most frequently used extracardiac conduit was No 14 bovine jugular vein graft (contegra).
Results: Postoperative early mortality rate was 21.1% (n=4). The mean follow-up period was 21.9±20.8 months. Truncal valve regurgitation was mild in nine patients (60%) and moderate in one patient (7%). During follow-up period, six patients (40%) developed pulmonary artery stenosis. Four patients (66%) underwent balloon angioplasty, while stent was implanted in two patients (33%). Reintervention-free survival was 100% at one year, 69±13% at three years and 23±15% at five years.
Conclusion: Complete surgical repair of truncus arteriosus results in good outcomes in neonatal and early childhood. Reintervention may be required for the right ventricular out flow obstructions.