Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that primarily affects the structure of your heart. This condition is diagnosed in infancy, and if you leave it untreated, it can cause serious health problems. Thankfully TOF surgery in India can now correct these defects and significantly improve children’s quality of life. 

When parents generally learn that their child requires TOF surgery, it can be an extremely overwhelming experience. Many questions cross their mind about surgery and its associated risks. 

This blog by Cross Border Care, the best medical consultants in India, will address the potential questions that cross every parent’s mind when they know their child requires TOF surgery. We will also debunk some myths associated with this surgery. 

TOF Surgery India: Common Questions Answered

Question 1: What Exactly is Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)?

TOF is a complex congenital heart defect that involves four key abnormalities:

1. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – A hole between the heart’s two ventricles.
2. Pulmonary Stenosis – Narrowing of the pulmonary valve or artery, which restricts blood flow to the lungs.
3. Right Ventricular Hypertrophy – Thickening of the right ventricle due to increased workload.
4. Overriding Aorta – The aorta is positioned above the ventricular septal defect, allowing oxygen-poor blood to flow into the body.

Together, these abnormalities cause poor oxygenation and can lead to symptoms like cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin), difficulty breathing, and fatigue. TOF Surgery in India is the primary treatment for correcting these defects and improving blood flow.

Question 2:  When Should My Child Undergo TOF Surgery in Delhi?

Ideally, TOF surgery in Delhi should be performed early in life, usually within the first year. Early intervention helps prevent complications and supports normal growth and development. However, the timing depends on the severity of the condition and the child’s overall health. Sometimes, a baby may need a temporary procedure to stabilize their heart before a complete corrective surgery.

Your pediatric cardiologist in India will closely monitor your child’s condition through regular check-ups and recommend the best time for surgery.

Question 3: What are the components of TOF surgery in India? 

TOF surgery in India involves correcting the abnormalities of the heart. 

• The first part is to repair the Ventricular Septal Defect using patches and sutures. 
• If the pulmonary valve is too narrow, the surgeon will cut it and replace it with a prosthetic valve. 
• The position of the aorta is also realigned to ensure it receives oxygenated blood from the left ventricle. 
• The surgery typically requires a full open heart procedure but in some cases, minimally invasive techniques can also be an option. 

Question 4: Are there any risks of TOF surgery?  

All major surgeries have risks. The risks are low if you get the surgery done by the best pediatric cardiologists in India. Some common risks of the surgery are: 

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Heart rhythm problems
• Damage to heart tissues

Question 5: What is the length of the surgery? 

TOF surgery in India takes 3 to 6 hours. The duration of the surgery also depends on the case’s complexity and the child’s overall health. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and the child is monitored closely throughout the surgery. 

Question 6: What is recovery like after TOF surgery in India? 

After surgery, children are usually taken to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. Recovery varies depending on the child’s age, overall health, and the extent of the surgery. Typically, the child may need to stay in the hospital for about 7 to 14 days.

Post-surgery, children are gradually weaned off medications, and their heart function is carefully monitored. Parents can expect swelling, pain, or discomfort during recovery, but most children recover fully within a few weeks. Children can usually return to normal activities within 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.

Tetralogy of Fallot Surgery India: Common Myths and Facts Associated with the Surgery

Myth 1: TOF Surgery is risky

There is no doubt that TOF is a complex surgery, but when performed by a skilled pediatric cardiologist in India, the complications are less. The success rate of TOF surgery in India is very high, and we have seen children living a healthy life after the surgery. 

Myth 2: The child will not live long after TOF surgery

While early intervention is necessary, most children lead an everyday life after the surgery. Regular follow-ups are required to monitor heart health. Many children have to undergo additional surgeries to leave a fully active life after TOF surgery in Delhi. 

Myth 3: TOF Surgery Will Require Multiple Operations

While children may need additional follow-up procedures in some cases, many children only need one surgery to repair the defects. Surgeons aim to perform the surgery in a way that minimizes the need for future interventions. Over time, as the child grows, minor adjustments or valve replacements may be necessary, but these are usually minimal.

Myth 4: TOF Surgery Is Too Expensive and Out of Reach

While TOF surgery in India can be expensive, especially if it is done in top-tier hospitals, there are various financial options available to make the surgery more accessible. Many hospitals in Delhi offer affordable treatment options, and health insurance can cover a significant portion of the costs.

Myth 5: Children with TOF Cannot Participate in Sports or Physical Activities

After recovery, children who have undergone TOF surgery in India can usually participate in physical activities, including sports and exercise. However, the intensity and type of activities may need to be adjusted based on the child’s specific health condition. Your cardiologist in India will provide personalized guidelines based on the child’s heart function.

Expert Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About TOF Surgery in Delhi

1. What Are the Best Hospitals for TOF Surgery in Delhi?

Delhi is home to some of India’s top cardiac care hospitals, offering world-class treatment for TOF. Some renowned hospitals for TOF surgery in India  include:

• • Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
  • Max Super Speciality Hospital
  • Medanta – The Medicity
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

These hospitals have experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons in India, advanced facilities, and a strong track record in successfully treating TOF cases.

2. What Are the Success Rates of TOF Surgery in Delhi?

Success rates for TOF surgery in Delhi are generally very high, especially in the top hospitals mentioned above. Most children who undergo the procedure here live healthy lives with no significant long-term issues. However, follow-up care is crucial for monitoring heart health and ensuring necessary treatments are done early.

3. What Should I Look for in a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon for TOF Surgery?

When selecting a surgeon for TOF surgery in India, consider:

• Experience and specialization in pediatric cardiac surgery.
• Reputation and patient outcomes: Look for surgeons who have performed numerous TOF surgeries with successful results.
• Hospital facilities: The surgeon should be affiliated with a reputable hospital with advanced medical equipment.
• Clear communication: The surgeon should be willing to explain the procedure, risks, and recovery process in detail.

Top Doctors For TOF Surgery  in India

• Dr K.S. Iyer – Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
• Dr. Rajesh Sharma – Director and the Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Marengo Aisa Hospital.
• Dr. K.S. Dagar – Director Neonatal & Congenital Heart Surgery, Max Healthcare,
• Dr. Anil Bhan – Chairman of Cardiac Surgery Heart Institute, Medanta the Medicity

If you are planning your child’s TOF surgery in India, contact Cross Border Care today. We are the best medical consultants in India.  

• We will help you understand your disease
• We will aid you in choosing from the best and most experienced doctors in the speciality.
• We will also help you in choosing the hospital providing state-of-the-art technology.
• We will assist you in formulating a treatment plan. This will include a discussion of treatment options, including the option of ‘no treatment.’
• We emphasize treatment that is rooted in scientific evidence.