Reoperation after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot

Fifteen patients required repeat heart surgery after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot. Indications for reoperation included recurrent ventricular septal defect (VSD), 9 patients; tricuspid regurgitation, 2 patients; residual right ventricular hypertension, 1 patient; and infection of the right ventriculotomy, 3 patients. From this experience, the following conclusions were drawn. The need for reoperation after correction of Fallot's tetralogy is unusual; although technically more difficult than the primary operation, the second operation does not cause an excessive mortality rate (13 of 15 survived), and properly selected patients derive substantial benefit from reoperation.