Trans-thoracic open ligation of the persistent ductus arteriosus in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Surgical ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is often the only available option in resource-poor countries such as Nigeria in order to prevent pulmonary hypertension and other complications of a patent ductus. Objective: The purpose of our study was to review our surgical experience, highlighting our techniques at a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective audit of the patients who had trans-thoracic open surgical (TTOS) patent ductus ligation over a 5-year period (2009-2013). Result: Sixteen patients (2 boys and 14 girls) aged 4 months-19 years (Mean = 7.1 ± 6.7 years) had TTOS PDA ligation utilizing a triple suture ligation technique. Only three (18.8%) were asymptomatic pre-operatively. Eleven (68.9%) had isolated PDA and others had associated cardiac and extracardiac lesions. The most common post-operative complication was chylothorax, which occurred in two patients (12.5%), and most patients (75%; n = 12) were discharged home by the 5 th post-operative day. Conclusion: Careful attention during transthoracic open surgical closure of the persistent ductus arteriosus will ensure a safe procedure associated with relatively few complications and short post-operative hospital stay.