The anaesthetic management of preterm infants undergoing ligation of patent ductus arteriosus.

The authors reviewed the records of seventy preterm infants suffering from respiratory distress syndrome and, in most cases, refractory congestive heart failure, who underwent ligation of patent ductus arteriosus. The peri-operative management of these patients is described. The anaesthetic technique consisted of nitrous oxide and oxygen supplemented with a relaxant. All patients were ventilated manually with a humidified Jackson Rees system. The operations were performed in the main operating suite. There were no deaths during operation. The infants were protected from significant temperature fluctuations by various methods which are described. The overall survival rate of all preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. The management presented is considered acceptable to the infants, to the surgeons and to the anaesthetists.