Ligature of the ductus arteriosus in premature newborns: experience of the National Hospital for Women

Abstract

The ductus arteriosus is a structure that originates in the fetal life of the sixth embryonic left aortic arch and its function is essential for the life of the fetus. After birth, its permeability and persistence is considered a heart disease and should be treated. Materials and methods. We reviewed 18 medical records of patients with ductus arteriosus with hemodynamic repercussion undergoing surgery. All patients were approached by the left lateral thoracotomy technique and double ligation was performed to the duct. The postoperative time and their care were fulfilled in the neonatal intensive care unit. Results The total number of operated patients was 18. The weight range of the operated group was between 696 and 2000 grams. The gestational age was between 24 to 34 weeks. We operated 12 female patients and 6 male patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 5 cases. Three patients had heart failure that was treated in a timely manner and two cases ended with residual patent ductus arteriosus after ligation. Three patients underwent surgery, but the cause of death was due to infectious processes (one case of nosocomial pneumonia and two cases of sepsis). Conclusions Assessing the risks versus the benefits of patent ductus arteriosus ligation, this treatment measure has turned out to be a valid option, since in El Salvador there are no drugs in parenteral presentation (indomethacin-ibuprofen) for the pharmacological closure of this heart disease. .

Key words: prematurity, ligature, ductus arteriosus, El Salvador.