Congenital Defects of the Abdominal Wall

Omphalocele, umbilical cord hernia, and gastroschisis are surgically correctable defects of the abdominal wall. Each of these defects has a distinct embryologic basis that results in a characteristic clinical picture. Twenty-five infants with congenital defects of the abdominal wall were treated at the University of New Mexico Hospital in the past four years. Six infants had omphalocele, one had umbilical cord hernia, and 18 had gastroschisis. Survival among infants who underwent a corrective operation was as follows: omphalocele, 50%; umbilical cord hernia, 100%; and gastroschisis, 82%. Long-term survival for the entire group was 72% (18/25). Gastroschisis, which had a lower incidence of major associated anomalies, had a better prognosis than omphalocele. The mortality of congenital abdominal wall defects was related to presence of severe associated anomalies and to poor clinical condition on admission. Prompt and informed initial care may increase the chance of survival.