The impact of cardiac risk factors on short-term outcomes for children undergoing a Ladd procedure.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the outcomes of children with and without congenital heart disease who undergo a Ladd procedure.

METHODS: The 2012-2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric (NSQIP-P) data were queried for patients undergoing a Ladd procedure. Utilizing NSQIP-P definitions, patients were categorized into four cardiac risk groups (none, minor, major, severe) based on severity of cardiac anomalies, previous cardiac procedure(s), and ongoing cardiac dysfunction. Ladd procedures were elective/non-elective. Outcomes included length of stay, adverse events, and mortality.

RESULTS: 878 patients underwent Ladd procedures. 633 (72%) patients had no cardiac risk factors and 84 (10%), 109 (12%), and 52 (6%) had minor, major, and severe cardiac risk factors, respectively. Children with congenital heart disease experienced increased morbidity and mortality and longer hospital stays (all p<0.05). Elective Ladd procedures were associated with similar morbidity but shorter length of stay and lower mortality than non-elective procedures. Older age at time of operation was associated with fewer adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS: Although overall mortality remains low, children with higher risk cardiac disease experience increased morbidity and mortality when undergoing a Ladd procedure. Older age at the time of the Ladd procedure was associated with improved outcomes in children.