Abstract
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the surgical outcome of surgery in the age group of 2-6 years. A total of 130 samples were grouped into groups A and B for comparative analysis. The inclusion criteria specified that children be posted for surgery, but who do not have significant comorbidities, while the exclusion criteria stated serious nervous system or cardiac diseases. Preoperative assessment involved demographic data collection and monitoring clinical parameters such as mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate. All surgery was performed using the same surgery standard, and postoperative results were recorded about complications, the duration of hospital stay, echocardiographic follow-up, readmission, and quality-of-life scores. Results shown that a similar demographic presentation was observed, with a slight female predominance in Group B. Notably, Group A presented with higher mean pulmonary artery pressure and lower oxygen saturation, demonstrating more severe preoperative profiles. In terms of surgical parameters, Group A had a shorter average duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamping, thus causing fewer postoperative complications like arrhythmias and infections. These complications would later be seen more in Group B, as their echocardiographic outcome indicators pointed to a better functioning heart postoperatively. As derived from the demographic analysis, Group A had a mean patient age of 4.2 years, while Group B had a mean patient age of 4.5 years. However, weight or nutritional status did not differ significantly. According to preoperative clinical details, Group A had a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 20.0 mmHg and oxygen saturation of 73%, whereas in Group B, it was 18.5 mmHg and 75%, thus suggesting to be worse pulmonary conditions in Group A than in Group B. The time of cardiopulmonary bypass was shorter in Group A: 140 min as compared with 150 min of Group B. Furthermore, Group A had a mean length of stay in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) of 4.5 days compared to 5 days for Group B. The Group A postoperative complications were more than those of Group B, as there were arrhythmias within 10 patients (15.4%) in Group A, as compared with five patients (7.7%) in Group B. Further analysis revealed longer hospital stays and higher rates of readmission for Group B and significant differences in functional capacity and quality of life scores in favor of Group A. Neurological assessments showed more normal readings per group, while pharmacologic management reflected similar dynamics. In conclusion, while early postoperative outcomes for both groups were acceptable, the data suggested that Group A suffered fewer complications at the expense of moderately impaired functional recovery despite being more severely impaired during the preoperative period. This study emphasizes the importance of thorough preoperative assessment and individualized postoperative care for optimizing outcomes in pediatric cardiac surgery.