Factors associated with health-related quality of life in pediatric patients after minimally invasive right axillary approach for ventricular septal defect repair at the Cardiovascular Center - E Hospital

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is one of the most common congenital heart diseases in children. Surgical correction offers a complete repair of the defect without long-term sequelae. Minimally invasive surgery is a novel technique that ys many advantages to patients. Evaluating postoperative quality of life (QoL) also reflects the outcomes of this approach. Objective: To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and investigate associated factors in pediatric patients after VSD repair using a minimally invasive right axillary thoracotomy at the Cardiovascular Center - E Hospital. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 47 children aged 2-12 years who underwent VSD repair via minimally invasive right axillary approach from December 2022 to July 2024. HRQoL was assessed using the Vietnamese version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 Generic Core Scale (based on parent interviews and medical record reviews). Data were collected at least one month after surgery. Results: The mean overall HRQoL score was 79.57 ÷ 7.13. Factors significantly associated with HRQoL included preoperative heart failure severity (Ross classification), parental education and employment status, and the child's school attendance (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Minimally invasive VSD repair via the right axillary approach provides favorable HRQoL outcomes. However, children with specific clinical and social risk factors require closer monitoring and support to improve postoperative quality of life.