Treatment for Tetralogy of Fallot commonly requires how many surgeries?

• A. 2-3 surgeries
• B. One surgery and lifelong medications
• C. No surgery ever; treat with exercise only
• D. Four to five surgeries

Answer: (A)

Tetralogy of Fallot is often managed with staged surgery. In some infants, a palliative procedure is done first to improve blood flow to the lungs, followed by a definitive repair later. Depending on how the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary arteries respond, a third operation may be needed later for reintervention or patch-related issues. Because of this pattern, two to three surgeries are commonly required over the course of treatment. While modern practice often aims for complete repair in a single operation when feasible, the typical exam expectation reflects staged management as two to three surgeries. The other options don’t fit this realistic care pathway: one surgery and lifelong medications isn’t typical for TOF, no surgery is not correct, and four to five surgeries are more than usually needed.