Arch Plast Surg.  2016 May;43(3):258-264. 10.5999/aps.2016.43.3.258.

Management of the Sequelae of Severe Congenital Abdominal Wall Defects

• Fuentes S
• Marti E
• Delgado MD
• Gomez A

• KMID: 2403558
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2016.43.3.258

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The survival rate of newborns with severe congenital abdominal wall defects has increased. After successfully addressing life-threatening complications, it is necessary to focus on the cosmetic and functional outcomes of the abdominal wall.
METHODS
We performed a chart review of five cases treated in our institution.
RESULTS
Five patients, ranging from seven to 18 years of age, underwent the following surgical approaches: simple approximation of the rectus abdominis fascia, the rectus abdominis sheath turnover flap, the placement of submuscular tissue expanders, mesh repair, or a combination of these techniques depending on the characteristics of each individual case.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with severe congenital abdominal wall defects require individualized surgical treatment to address both the aesthetic and functional issues related to the sequelae of their defects.

Keyword

Gastroschisis; Umbilical hernia; Abdominal wall; Abdominal muscles; Hernia, ventral

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Muscles
Abdominal Wall*
Fascia
Gastroschisis
Hernia, Umbilical
Hernia, Ventral
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Rectus Abdominis
Survival Rate
Tissue Expansion Devices