Surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus in neonatal intensive care units: a scoping review

Abstract

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common in preterm neonates. However, when pharmacological closure fails, surgical closure should be chosen. Recently, there is a trend to perform this procedure in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) instead of the operating room. Objective: To explore the recent literature regarding the surgical closure of PDA in the NICU. Materials and methods: A scoping review was carried out on studies published in the last twenty years that have evaluated the surgical closure of PDA in the NICU. Results: Thirteen studies were identified, of which 4 were comparative while another 9 were non-comparative. No death was due to the surgical procedure, but rather to comorbidities associated with prematurity. Shorter operating time and less hypothermia were reported as benefits. Conclusions: Surgical interventions in the NICU are feasible and performed in unstable preterm neonates requiring ventilation.