Stage one Norwood procedure results: the green lane experience.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the presentation outcome, morbidity and mortality of infants who have undergone the stage one Norwood procedure for single ventricle reconstruction.


METHODS
A retrospective review was done on the first 20 patients to undergo this procedure at Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand. Seven patients were diagnosed antenatally. Fetal cardiology records in the same time period were reviewed.


RESULTS
Twelve of the 20 patients (60%) have survived, and all of these patients have undergone their bi-directional Glenn procedure with no mortality. Eight patients died, with five of the deaths occurring in the perioperative period. Initial surgical mortality was 75%, decreasing to 25% since 1998. Antenatal diagnosis has not improved surgical outcome to date.


CONCLUSIONS
With advances in surgical technique and pre- and postoperative care, neonates born with single ventricle anatomy have an acceptable surgical option. Babies who survive the Norwood operation have a good chance of surviving the later stages of the cardiac reconstruction process, and they have a reasonable outlook in the intermediate term.
Setty
S P
SP
Department of Paediatric Cardiac Surgery and Green Lane Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Finucane
K
K
Wilson
N
N
Beca
J
J
Kerr
A R
AR