After surgery, the patient is placed in a cardiac surgical intensive care unit. The child initially will be on a breathing machine (ventilator) and will be connected to several machines. Heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, the oxygen level in the blood, and several other parameters are continuously monitored in the patient while the patient is in the intensive care unit.

Family will be able to visit periodically. Medications that regulate circulation and blood pressure may be administered through the IV (intravenously). A breathing tube (endotracheal tube) will remain in place until the physicians are confident that the patient is awake and ready to breathe comfortably on his or her own.

The patient may be groggy and somewhat disoriented, and sites of incisions in the chest may be sore. Painkillers may be administered. There may be bleeding from within the chest for two to five days following surgery. To control this, a drainage tube may be placed in the sack around the heart that leads out through the skin.

Patients usually stay in the hospital for several days to three weeks. During this time, more tests will be conducted to assess and monitor the patient’s condition. The cardiologist and surgeon will discuss further medical treatment, including the use of pain medications and/or anticoagulants. Any medications the child has been taking may also be updated.

Some patients may be given aspirin or warfarin to reduce the risk of a blood vessel clotting after the procedure. Prior to discharge from the hospital, the family is given specific instructions regarding care of the incision site, activity restrictions and recovery expectations. Information is also provided about signs or symptoms that indicated the need for medial attention. The surgeon and/or cardiologist typically see children for a follow-up visit two to three weeks after discharge from the hospital.

In general, children who have undergone the Fontan procedure will need lifelong follow-up with a cardiologist who is familiar with congenital heart conditions.