We reviewed the outcomes of truncus arteriosus repair (primary vs. staged repair incorporating bilateral pulmonary artery banding), focusing on survival, reintervention, and functional data. We analyzed 39 patients who underwent a first intervention for truncus arteriosus (staged, n = 19; primary, n = 20) between 1992 and 2022. The median follow-up period was 8.0 (2.2-13.2) years. Survival, freedom from reoperation, and freedom from catheter intervention were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. High-risk patients were defined as those with a weight ≤ 2.5kg, ≥ moderate truncal valve regurgitation, interrupted aortic arch, or preoperative shock. In the staged group, patients with a median weight of 2.6kg had a median intensive care unit stay of 5days and no hospital mortality after bilateral pulmonary artery banding. At repair, the staged group had a larger conduit for the right ventricular outflow tract (14 vs. 12mm; P = .008). Catheter intervention on the branch pulmonary artery was required in 67% of patients in the staged group, but right ventricular end-diastolic pressure at follow-up was comparable between the groups (P = .541). Survival rates were higher among high-risk patients in the staged group (87.5% vs. 21.4% at 15years; P = .004) but were comparable between groups for standard-risk patients (P = 1.000). Bilateral pulmonary artery banding was a safe, effective procedure. Reintervention for branch pulmonary artery was common but did not affect functional outcomes. Staged repair may play a pivotal role regarding survival in high-risk patients, and risk stratification is vital.
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