What is Fontan Operation and Modifications ?

Earlier reported to have 20 per cent mortality, it has come down to five per cent in specialized centres. In the earlier series the 5, 10 and 15 year survival was 70, 65 and 50 per cent. In the current era, the survival for bi-directional Glenn followed by modified Fontan operation at the end of five years is around 90 per .cent. Even under ideal conditions the 15-year survival is only 73 per cent and a slow rising hazard is ever present. That is why, unlike repair of Tetralogy, which is considered curative, Fontan procedure should be considered only as excellent palliation.