Knowing that your little one is going to undergo surgery is never easy for a parent. However, there may come a time when you need to prepare your infant for a critical operation. While you would choose one of the best pediatric hospitals in your area, knowing about the procedure is also important.

Here’s a helpful guide on what to expect during pediatric heart surgery. 

What is Infant Heart Surgery?

Infant heart surgery is a procedure done to fix structural problems in your child’s heart. They are also called Pediatric heart surgery. These surgeries are often required to correct Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs). Common CHDs include: 

• Holes in the heart 
• Valve abnormalities 
• Defects in the heart’s chambers or arteries 

These issues can prevent your little one’s heart from functioning properly, leading to poor oxygenation, fatigue, or growth delays in infants. Pediatric heart surgery is designed to repair these defects and improve your infant’s heart function. 

Preparing for an Infant Heart Surgery 

When your little one is diagnosed with a CHD, their case will be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, including pediatric cardiologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. This team assesses the severity of the condition and decides the appropriate timing for surgery. Some infants may require surgery shortly after birth, while others may undergo surgery after a few months.

Once surgery is scheduled, you will receive detailed information about the procedure, including how long the surgery will take, possible risks, and expected outcomes. After the initial diagnosis and discussion, the surgery is scheduled. One or two days before the surgery, the medical team will conduct a Pre-Admission Test (PAT), which includes lab work, imaging (such as echocardiograms or chest X-rays), and a thorough physical examination. This allows the medical team to ensure your child is in optimal condition for surgery.

What to Expect on Surgery Day 

On the day of surgery, your baby will likely be taken to the operating room early in the morning. Most heart surgeries take between four to six hours, though the duration can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. The medical team will keep you updated throughout the surgery with regular progress reports.

Once the surgery is complete, your child will be transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where the medical team will closely monitor your little one. The first 24-48 hours after surgery are critical for ensuring that your baby’s heart is functioning properly. During this time, your child will be connected to various tubes and machines, which might look frightening, but are necessary to support their recovery.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

Your child may spend several days in the PICU, depending on their condition. As they recover, they will be moved to a regular hospital room, where the focus will shift to feeding, pain management, and monitoring heart function. The length of the hospital stay can vary from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the surgery and your baby’s recovery progress. 

Before discharge, the medical team will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your child at home. This includes wound care, medication schedules, and tips for feeding, as many infants may have trouble feeding after surgery. You’ll also receive a plan for follow-up appointments with your child’s cardiologist to monitor long-term recovery.

Conclusion 

Infant heart surgery can be an emotional journey for parents, but with proper preparation and a strong medical team, the chances of a successful outcome are high. Therefore, knowing what to expect during the surgery is important. It helps you stay strong and care for your baby better.  Remember, you are not alone—your medical team and support system are there to guide you every step of the way.

If you are in Pune, visit Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, considered one of the best pediatric hospitals in Pune. They have a strong medical team that will offer the best treatment for your baby.