Ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in low birth weight premature infants: timing for intervention and effectiveness of bed-side surgery

BACKGROUND Patent ductus arteriosus is a common congenital cardiac condition. Its importance is mostly underestimated and accepted as an "easy" heart disease. Physiological consequences of pulmonary overflow may cause severe mortality in premature neonates. Accurate timing of surgical intervention is essential to decrease the mortality in very low birth weight premature infants. On-site surgery in the intensive care units (ICUs) results excellent surgical quality without jeopardizing the safety of the patients. METHODS We have summarized the clinical and operative data of 26 premature neonates (<37 weeks of gestational age), which were operated for the diagnosis of PDA in the ICUs of Dokuz Eylül University. Thirteen low birth weight infants (<1000 gr) have been compared with remaining 13 neonates (>1000 gr). RESULTS There was no surgical mortality in both groups. Co-existing problems were observed in both groups, which did not affect surgical mortality and morbidity. CONCLUSIONS Surgery in the ICU is a safe method for premature neonates with physiologically significant PDA. This technique should be the method of choice in experienced centers.