Implementation and adaptation of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons´ standardized nomenclature for congenital heart surgery in a Peruvian hospital

Abstract

Objective. To describe the process of implementing a congenital heart surgery database at the National Cardiovascular Institute (INCOR) in Peru, adapted to the standardized nomenclature of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and to present clinical–surgical outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality within the framework of comprehensive multidisciplinary care. Materials and Methods. A prospective observational study was conducted in three phases: feasibility, database construction, and prospective data collection. Variables were adapted to the institutional context, and the process included a pilot test, strategic planning, multidisciplinary training, role assignment, monitoring, and periodic statistical analysis. Results. A total of 500 consecutive patients were registered between May 2022 and July 2023. Septal defects were the most common surgical indication. The most frequent complications included cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias. In-hospital mortality was 7.6%. The database incorporated preoperative nutritional and dental assessments. Although 27.2% of the forms were fully completed, the remainder showed limitations such as missing data and the need for additional verification of information across modules. Conclusion. The implementation of a congenital heart surgery registry in Peru is feasible even in a resource-limited setting. This system allows the identification of critical areas for improving care and optimizing clinical outcomes, establishing a foundation for future quality improvement initiatives.