Annex A > Chapter 3 - Developments in the UK, in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Congenital Heart Abnormalities in Children, 1984-1995 > Post-operative care > Long-term post-operative management

Long-term post-operative management

32 After discharge from hospital, the results of the operation continue to need careful assessment for many years. This is generally undertaken by the paediatric cardiologist, often sharing the care with the consultant paediatrician in the referring hospital.
Non-invasive investigations are undertaken in order to assist with the longer-term assessment. From time to time, the cardiologist ordinarily discusses the development of any problems in an individual case with the cardiac surgeon. It is often necessary to plan further hospital admissions at certain designated times for investigations that cannot be undertaken in the outpatient department. Many patients need follow-up into adult life, and for that purpose there has been a trend during the latter part of the 1990s for some cardiologists to specialise in the management of adults with congenital heart disease.

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