Congenital heart disease surgery in the adult.

As a result of improved treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD) over the last half century, the number of patients reaching adulthood continues to grow. With increased success a challenging group of adults with unique anatomy and physiology, in addition to the usual effects of aging, has been created. All of these patients present unique and fascinating challenges, and their best care requires bridging pediatric and adult medical and surgical care. This review is a discussion of some of the more common surgical issues that arise in this evolving group of patients.