[Hazards in the operative treatment of Ductus Botallo (author's transl)]

Possible errors and risks in operations of the ductus Botallo are discussed by using the experience from 282 operations. In young patients and adults the operative closure has to be decided upon according to the degree of the pulmonary vascular resistance. In newborns the closure of the ductus should be performed when symptoms such as heart insufficiency, frequent pneumonias and cyanosis are present. Haemorrhage due to damage of the walls is most frequent intraoperative complication. The procedure of controlling is dealt with more in detail. At least possibilities to treat the so called recanalisation or pseudorecidive are discussed. No patient was lost by intraoperative complications. The total mortality amounted to 1.4 per cent.