Post-operative
Following corrective surgery, but prior to cessation of anaesthesia, two small incisions are made immediately below the sternotomy incision which provide exit points for chest tubes used to drain fluid from the thoracic cavity, with one tube placed at the front and another at the rear of the heart. The patient returns to the ICU post-operatively for recovery, maintenance, and close observation; recovery time may vary, but tends to average approximately two weeks, after which the patient may be transferred to a Transitional Care Unit (TCU), and eventually to a cardiac ward. Post-operative care is very similar to the palliative care received, with the exception that the patient no longer requires PGE or the surgical palliation procedures. Additionally, the patient is kept on a cooling blanket for a period of time to prevent fever, which could cause brain damage. The sternum is not closed immediately which allows extra space in the thoracic cavity, preventing excess pressure on the heart, which swells considerably following the surgery; the sternum and incision are closed after a few days, when swelling is sufficiently reduced. Follow-up
The infant will continue to see a cardiologist on a regular basis. Although these appointments are required less frequently as time goes on, they will continue throughout the lifetime of the individual, and may increase in the event of complications or as the individual approaches middle age. The cardiology exam may include an echocardiogram, EKG, and/or cardiac stress test in addition to consultation.
In most cases, the patients condition will deteriorate to the point of inoperability if the defect is not corrected in the first year.While the foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus are open after birth, some mixing of red and blue blood occurs allowing a small amount of oxygen to be delivered to the body; if ASD, VSD, PFO, and/or PDA are present, this will allow a higher amount of the red and blue blood to be mixed, therefore delivering more oxygen to the body, but can complicate and lengthen the corrective surgery and/or be symptomatic.Modern repair procedures within the ideal timeframe and without additional complications have a very high success rate. Epidemiology
Heart defects are the most common birth defect, occurring in approximately 1% of live births. 5–7% of these are dextro-transposition of the great arteries. Such defects appear to be more common in men than women. Approximately one million people worldwide are currently living with a CHD.Having a child with a CHD increases an individuals chances of having another child with a CHD from 1% to 3%. Subsequent children born with a CHD increase that individuals chances further. See also
Levo-Transposition of the great arteries
Transposition of the great vessels

References
External links
ped/2548 at eMedicine