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One hundred eighteen patients who survived Mustard immunités (n = 103) or Senning operations (n = 15) performed between 1972 and 1984 for isolated transposition of the main arteries were followed-up for over a mean period of 3.67 yr (up to 12 yr). The authors have examined the potential complications which can alter the long-term prognosis in this type of atrial correction: heart rhythm disorders (regression of sinus rhythm of 3.82% yr), mechanical complications, haemodynamic dysfunction. After atrial correction the survival curve underwent an actuarial regression of 1.3% yr. All these potential complications should be detected by regular survey and may indicate anatomical correction, the results of which have yet to be fully evaluated.

This study takes stock of the current results of physiological correction (Mustard's or Senning's operation) in simple transposition of the great vessels, at a time when anatomical corrections, or detranspositions, are developing. Between January 1, 1974 and December 31, 1984, 168 neonates with simple transposition of the great vessels were operated upon and followed up for a mean period of 3.67 years (up to 11 years and 10 months). Thirty of them died before correction (12.7% mortality rate with palliative surgery) and 15 immediately after corrective surgery (11.2%). Among the 111 children who survived corrective surgery, the results were satisfactory in 62.7%, fair in 17.8% and poor in 10.2%; the late mortality rate was 9.3%. Post-correction morbidity mainly consisted of mechanical complications suspected in one-third of the patients (with 3 consecutive deaths) and heart rhythm disorders (50% of patients in this series had abnormal Holter recordings), with predominance of atrial rhythm disorders (regression of sinus rhythm was 3.82% per annum). This, after correction the survival curve underwent an actuarial regression of 1.31% per annum. This primary and secondary morbidity and mortality justifies a switch to anatomical corrections the results of which remain to be fully evaluated.

Over the past 3 years, a Mustard operation has been performed in 38 infants aged 30 days to 24 months, among them 29 less than one year of age. There were 27 TGV with intact ventricular septum, 8 TGV and VSD, (isolated in 3, and associated with PS in 2 and with coarctation of the aorta in 3), 2 TGV with isolated PS, and 1 TGV with aorta-pulmonary window. The operation was carried out under deep hypothermia, circulatory arrest and limited by-pass, using a pericardial patch in all cases but one. The operative mortality is 8% (3 cases) for the whole group, 7% in infants less than one year of age, and 3% for all TGV with intact ventricular septum. The long term results are reviewed, with a follow-up of 2 to 36 months (mean 17 months).