Health Status, Functional Abilities and Quality of Life following the Mustard or Senning Operation

Background: Life expectancy of patients who underwent atrial switch operation for the transposition of the great arteries is relatively good. However, many patients are faced with residua and sequelae, which may hamper their functioning and quality of life. This multicenter study assessed the perceived health status, functional abilities and quality of life in long-term survivors of the Mustard or Senning operation. Methods: A group of 89 patients (58% male) were selected from 4 tertiary care centers, consisting of 37 Mustard and 52 Senning operation patients. Perceived health status was measured using a Linear Analogue Scale. The educational level, employment status, New York Health Association classification, Ability Index and Baecke questionnaire were used to evaluate functional abilities. Quality of life was assessed with a Linear Analogue Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the CHD-TAAQOL. Results: Patients reported good to very good perceived health, functional capacities and quality of life. The responses of patients with complex transposition were equivalent to those of patients with simple transposition. Most dominant concerns reported by survivors of the Mustard and Senning operation were experiences about physical limitations and worries about a (future) job or income. Conclusions: Long-term survivors following atrial inflow correction demonstrated favorable perceived health, functional status and quality of life; these were, to a large extent, comparable with the status of the general population. These outcome parameters were not negatively affected by the complexity of the transposition.