Possible Problems

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

NEC is a serious illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the intestine gets swollen and irritated (inflamed). This inflammation can damage or kill the tissue in your baby’s intestines. If the doctor thinks your baby has NEC, feeds will be stopped and your child not be allowed to eat or drink (NPO or nothing by mouth). Antibiotics may be started and additional abdominal x-rays taken.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal means the stomach and esophagus. ‘Gastro’ is stomach and the esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. GERD makes the stomach juices and fluids come back into your child’s esophagus. This is called reflux. Reflux can happen at any age, but it is common in babies. It can be a short-term (temporary) or long-term (permanent) problem. Reflux needs to be treated so stomach juices do not go into the lungs and cause breathing problems and lung infections. GERD may be treated with reflux medicines to decrease the amount of acid the stomach makes. In severe cases, your child may need surgery to tighten the band around the top of the stomach to stop reflux.

Vocal Cord Paralysis (VCP)

Vocal cords make sounds, but they also keep food and saliva from going into the lungs. VCP is when vocal cords do not move (paralyzed). The vocal cords can be completely or partially paralyzed. VCP can be caused by infection, nerve injury during surgery, stroke, or other unknown causes. VCP may cause noisy breathing or make it hard to eat without getting milk into the lungs. VCP can usually be managed with thickened feeds. In severe cases, the child may not be able to eat safely by mouth. VCP can be short-term or last forever.

Infections

There is a small risk of infection of the surgical site with any surgery. Intravenous (IV) catheters, breathing tubes, and drainage tubes all increase the risk of infection. These lines are taken out when they are no longer needed for care. If there is concern for infection, blood samples may be sent to the lab to look for bacteria and viruses (cultures) and antibiotics may be started.

Blood Clots

Children with single ventricle heart defects are at risk for getting blood clots. Children who have a shunt or stent in their heart will need to be on medicine for the rest of their lives to prevent blood clots. This medicine is called a blood thinner. The most common blood thinner used is aspirin. However, there may be times when a stronger blood thinner is needed. Most blood thinners are taken by mouth, but some children may need shots (injections) given with a small needle.

Pleural Effusions

Children have a small chance of developing fluid in the space around the lungs after heart surgery. This is called a pleural effusion. Medicines called diuretics are usually given to get rid of extra fluid in the body. If the effusion is too large, your child may need a tube to help drain the fluid.

Long-term Respiratory Support

Patients might go home on oxygen from a nasal cannula.