When a child is born with a heart condition, the world can suddenly feel overwhelming for parents. Questions flood in “Will my child live a normal life?”, “Is surgery safe?”, “What happens next?”
At Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre (LECC), we meet families facing these worries every day, and we walk with them through every step of their child’s heart journey.
What Is Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery?
Pediatric cardiothoracic surgery is a specialized field that focuses on correcting heart and chest conditions in children, from newborns to teenagers. These procedures address congenital (present at birth) heart defects as well as acquired conditions that may appear later.
Some of the most common conditions treated include:
• Hole in the heart (Atrial Septal Defect, Ventricular Septal Defect)
• Tetralogy of Fallot: a complex condition involving four heart problems
• Valve abnormalities: where the heart valves don’t open or close properly
• Obstructions in blood flow: such as narrowing of the aorta (Coarctation of the Aorta)
• Arrhythmias that may need surgical correction
For many children, surgery isn’t just about survival, it’s about giving them the chance to run, laugh, play, and live fully.
A Parent’s Story: Hope Restored
Take Ada, a young girl who was diagnosed at just 6 months old with a congenital heart defect. Her parents noticed she was often breathless while feeding, sweating more than usual, and not gaining weight like other babies her age.
After detailed evaluation at LECC, our pediatric cardiology and surgical team recommended corrective heart surgery. The procedure was performed successfully, and today, Ada is an energetic 7-year-old who loves to dance and draw.
Stories like Ada’s remind us that behind every surgical procedure is a family’s dream of a healthy future.
Recognizing Symptoms in Children
Many congenital heart conditions are detected shortly after birth through screening, but sometimes they may go unnoticed until later.
Parents should seek medical evaluation if they notice:
• Frequent breathing difficulties or rapid breathing
• Blue lips or skin (cyanosis)
• Trouble feeding or poor weight gain
• Excessive sweating during feeding or playing
• Unexplained fatigue or fainting spells
Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, which can make a significant difference in outcomes.
The Surgical Process
Every child’s journey is unique, but most pediatric cardiothoracic surgeries follow these steps:
- Thorough Evaluation: This includes echocardiograms, MRIs, and other imaging to fully understand the defect.
- Pre-Surgical Counseling: Parents meet with the surgical team to discuss the procedure, risks, and expected recovery.
- The Surgery: Depending on the condition, the operation may involve repairing or replacing valves, closing heart holes, or rerouting blood vessels.
- ICU Recovery: After surgery, children are closely monitored in the intensive care unit by a specialized team.
- Follow-Up Care: Long-term monitoring is essential to ensure the heart continues to function well.
The Emotional Side
Parents often tell us that the hardest part is handing their child over for surgery. It’s a moment filled with fear, hope, and trust. At LECC, we recognize this emotional burden. That’s why our team provides counseling, updates during surgery, and compassionate aftercare, not just for the child, but for the whole family.
Caring Beyond Surgery
Surgery is often just the beginning. Children need:
• Cardiac rehabilitation programs to strengthen recovery
• Regular checkups to monitor heart function
• Nutritional support for growth and healing
• Emotional support for both the child and family
We encourage parents to see pediatric cardiothoracic care as a journey, not just a single event.
A Message of Hope
While the words “heart surgery” and “child” are hard to hear together, advances in pediatric cardiothoracic surgery mean that survival and quality of life rates are better than ever before. Children who once had little chance now grow up to live full, active lives.
At LECC, our mission is to make that possible for every child who walks through our doors.
📞 For consultations with our pediatric cardiology and surgical team, call +234 817 365 1737 📧 Email: info@thelecc.com 🌐 Visit: www.thelecc.com
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