Reoperations for left atrioventricular valve dysfunction after repair of atrioventricular septal defect

Abstract

Postoperative left atrioventricular valve (LAVV) dysfunction is known to be the principal risk factor influencing outcome after repair of all types of atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). The purpose of the present study was to identify the risk factors for reoperation and to assess the outcomes after reoperation for LAVV dysfunction. Records of 412 patients who underwent anatomical repair for different types of AVSD from January 2000 to July 2012 were reviewed. The study group (n = 60) included 13 additional patients for whom repair ± LAVV reoperation was performed in a primary institution. Outcomes, independent risk factors, reoperation and death were analysed. There were 7 early, (1.7%) and 1 late death. Forty-seven (11.4%) required 64 reoperations for LAVV dysfunction. The median delay for the first LAVV reoperation was 3.5 months (range: 5 days to 10.0 years). Unbalanced ventricles with small left ventricle [odds ratio (OR) = 4.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58–10.44, P = 0.004], double-orifice LAVV (OR = 5.04, 95% CI: 1.39–18.27, P = 0.014), prior palliative surgery (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.14–10.8, P = 0.029) and discharge echocardiography documenting LAVV regurgitation grade >2 (OR = 21.96, 95% CI: 8.91–54.09, P < 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for LAVV reoperation. Twelve-year survival and freedom from LAVV reoperation rates were, respectively, 96.1% (95% CI: 94.1–98.1) and 85.8% (95% CI: 81.3–90.3). Survival was significantly worse in patients who underwent LAVV reoperation (P < 0.001) and in those who underwent valve replacement vs valve repair (P = 0.020). After AVSD repair, LAVV dysfunction appears to be the principal factor that influences outcome. It can usually be managed by repair. Need for multiple reoperations is not uncommon. Long-term outcome in patients with repaired LAVV is favourable.