title: Left axillary incision (minithoracotomy) for PDA division.
abstract: From 1955 to 1975, 417 patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) operations were performed at Sapporo Medical University. The last 118 operations (28.3%) were done by division through the left axillary incision without mortality. Forty patients were less than 2 years old and 14 were less than 1 year old. The ratio of girls to boys was 3.5:1. Because the majority of patients with PDA are girls, parents commonly show considerable concern over the size of the operative scar. Our clinical experience demonstrates clearly the feasibility and safety of an axillary incision in dividing a PDA, even in premature infants. A minithoracotomy through the axilla is recommmended.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001365:Axilla / Q000601:surgery; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods