LAPAROSCOPIC ASSISTED MODIFICATION OF THE FIRLIT ABDOMINAL WALL PLICATION

PURPOSE: We describe a modification of the Firlit abdominal wall plication procedure for abdominal wall reconstruction in the prune-belly syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five boys with the prune-belly syndrome and 1 with congenital atrophy or hypotrophy of the internal and external oblique muscles underwent laparoscopic assisted abdominal wall reconstruction. RESULTS: All 6 patients had excellent cosmetic results, with no weakness or sagging of the abdominal wall. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy appears to add to the Firlit procedure an increased measure of safety and a possible decrease in morbidity associated with opening the abdomen, and improved precision that enhances the results achieved with the original procedure and other abdominal wall repairs.