ABDOMINAL-WALL DEFECTS IN INFANTS - SURVIVAL AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ADULT LIFE

Objective The authors study reviewed patients who underwent operations for omphalocele and gastroschisis to determine survival, morbidity, a nd long-term quality of life. Method Clinical follow-up of 94 patients cared for with omphalocele and gastroschisis during a 10- to 20-year period after birth. Result Eighty-three patients survived initial trea tment. Sixty-one had long-term follow-up. Mean follow-up in the group was 14.2 years. Survival was favorable in the absence of lethal or co- existing major congenital anomalies. Nineteen patients required 31 reo perations, most for abdominal wall hernias and the sequelae of intesti nal atresia. Current quality of life was described as favorable (good) in 80% of patients. Conclusions Survival rate in patients with abdomi nal wall defects is favorable and deaths occur substantially in patien ts with co-existing lethal, or multiple, congenital anomalies. Reopera tive surgery is necessary principally in those patients who have postc losure abdominal wall hernias, and in those with bower atresia at birt h. Reoperations are not likely to be necessary after school age. Quali ty of life in survivors is patient-perceived as entirely satisfactory.