A follow-up study of 250 patients subjected to surgical treatment of patent ductus arteriosus.

Since the first operation for patent ductus arteriosus performed by Gross in 1938, many papers have been published, Gross himself reporting more than 600 patients treated until 1953. Wide indications for operative treatment are now generally accepted in view of the low operative mortality and the risks that are present without surgery. As to the operation itself, discussion still continues because of the reported tendency for the duct to recanalize after simple ligation.