The type and timing of surgical repair depends on the child's condition and the type and severity of heart defects. The costs of any surgery varies significantly between surgeons, medical facilities, and regions of the country. Patients who are younger, sicker, or need more extensive surgery will require more intensive and expensive treatment. Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance. The outcome of heart surgery depends on the child's condition, the type of defect, and the type of surgery needed.
Many children recover completely and lead normal, active lives.
Convalescence Most children need to stay in the Intensive Care Unit for 3 to 7 days and stay in the hospital for 5 to 14 days. By the time the child is transferred out of the intensive care unit, most of the tubes and wires have been removed and he is encouraged to resume many of his daily activities. At the time of discharge, the parents are instructed on activity, how to care for the incision and how to give medications their child may need to take such as digoxin, Lasix, Aldactone and Coumadin. The child needs at least several more weeks at home to recover. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.