Intersurgeon variability in long-term outcomes after transatrial repair of tetralogy of Fallot: 25 years' experience with 675 patients

Abstract

Objective: To compare the long-term reoperation rates among surgeons performing transatrial repair of tetralogy of Fallot. Methods: The data set of 675 patients undergoing transatrial repair of tetralogy of Fallot at 1 institution from 1980 to 2005 was analyzed for intersurgeon differences in the reoperation rates. Results: A follow-up period >15 years was available for 5 surgeons, allowing for comparison (541 patients; >80 patients/surgeon). The reintervention rate at 10 years varied from 8.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3%-14.5%) to 26.7% (95% CI, 14.9%-44.9%; hazard ratio, 3.4; P =.001). The procedures of 1 surgeon resulted in a reoperation rate of 10.5% at 20 years (95% CI, 5.4%-25...