ObjectiveTo summarize the early clinical features and perioperative management strategies for patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after one-stage arterial switch operation (ASO), and investigate the risk factors for prolonged recovery in ICU, with a focus on the age structure and deformity complexity.MethodsThe clinical data of 231 consecutive TGA patients who underwent one-stage ASO were retrospectively analyzed. There were 165 males and 66 females, aged from 3 d to 10 years. The patients were sequenced by the length of ICU stay. The time at the 75th percentile was defined as the critical value for grouping. Patients with an ICU stay time over this point were allocated to a prolonged recovery group (n=54), while the rest were allocated to a normal recovery group (n=177). The perioperative clinical data were compared between the two groups, and the risk factors for prolonged recovery were evaluated.ResultsAbout half (49.6%) of the patients received late operation. The mean ICU stay time was 23.9±15.6 d in the prolonged recovery group, and 4.9±2.3 d in the normal recovery group. Complication of aortic arch lesion, delayed chest closure and postoperative pulmonary infection were independent risk factors for prolonged recovery after ASO in ICU. However, late operation had no significant effect on the overall recovery.ConclusionWith strict surgery indications and excellent postoperative management, most patients can have satisfactory early-stage outcomes, but are confronted with increased complications, which is associated with prolonged recovery. Complication of aortic arch lesion, delayed chest closure and postoperative pulmonary infection are independent factors for delayed recovery of ASO.