Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Parents may wish to ask their children’s doctors the following questions related to the Fontan procedure:

1. What type of heart defect does my child have?
   
   
2. What problems will this heart defect cause?
   
   
3. How will the Fontan procedure correct this defect?
   
   
4. Are there any alternate surgeries or medications my child could take in place of the Fontan?
   
   
5. Will the procedure be performed in one or multiple surgeries?
   
   
6. How soon does my child need the surgery?
   
   
7. When will the additional surgeries be performed, if necessary?
   
   
8. Which variation of the Fontan do you plan to perform on my child?
   
   
9. What are the risks associated with this surgery?
   
   
10. What can I expect in terms of my child’s recovery?
    
    
11. What restrictions will my child have following surgery?
    
    
12. How will this defect and procedure affect my child’s life?
    
    
13. How will the condition be monitored through life?
    
    
14. If I have another child, what are the chances of a similar heart defect?
    
    
15. Can you recommend me to an appropriate support group?
    
    
16. Are there services available that may help with the financial obligations that are anticipated?
    
    
17. How will this impact my child’s growth and development?
    
    
18. Is this heart condition associated with any genetic conditions that may be of concern?