Social life in adult patients after Fontan procedure

Abstract
Background
Little is known about the social life in adult patients after Fontan palliation. The study aimed to assess the long-term social life of patients after Fontan surgery, including school achievement, employment, and marital status.

Results
We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients aged 18 years or above who had a Fontan operation for a single ventricle pathology. Our outcomes were the academic performance and marital and employment status of adult Fontan patients. Patients or their families were interviewed directly or by phone, and a set of questions were asked to address their educational level, employment, and marital status. Ninety-nine patients were included in the study. Their median age was 21 years (min–max: 18–41), and 60% were females (n= 59). The most common diagnoses were double inlet left ventricle (n= 24, 24%), tricuspid atresia (n= 21, 21%), and the unbalanced atrioventricular canal (n= 21, 21%). Fourteen patients (14%) were married, and 6 of them had children (two were females). Eleven percent were college graduates (either diploma or bachelor’s degree), and 47% were high school graduates.

Conclusions
Fontan operation could negatively affect the social life of the patients. It may affect employment patterns, educational levels, and marital status.