This study was designed to clarify the usefulness and pitfalls of hypothermic management after Fontan's operation. Twenty-five patients who underwent Fontan's operation and received hypothermic management in an acute postoperative phase from 1974 to 1991 were divided into two groups; the alive (S) group and the dead (D) group. The lowest rectal temperature during the procedure was 32°C on average. There were no significant differences in preoperative indices of pulmonary circulation and renal function. After rewarming, PaO₂ and daily urinary output were increased and central venous pressure decreased significantly in the S group. In all S group patients, urinary output was increased during hypothermia irrespective of peritoneal dialysis. Anuria occurred 2 days on average after induction of hypothermia in D group. Urinary output in D group decreased significantly for 4 days compared to S group. On the other hand, it was possible to save two patients who underwent take-down of Fontan's operation within 6 hours after the onset of anuria. We conclude that hypothermic management is useful in serious cases after Fontan's operation and that daily urinary output in relation to body weight during hypothermia is most important as an index of post operative circulation.

The patient was a 61-year-old male, who underwent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair with Gelseal Triaxial prosthetic graft 2 years previously. False-aneurysm due to prosthetic graft dilatation was diagnosed. The direct closure of the ostium of the disruption of the anastomosis was successfully performed by an emergency operation. The postoperative course was uneventful. This case suggests that prosthetic graft dilatation may cause false-aneurysm at the site of end-to-side anastomosis.