Abdominal Wall Defects in Infants Survival and Implications for Adult Life

Abstract

Survival rate in patients with abdominal wall defects is favorable and deaths occur substantially in patients with co-existing lethal, or multiple, congenital anomalies. Reoperative surgery is necessary principally in those patients who have postclosure abdominal wall hernias, and in those with bowel atresia at birth. Reoperations are not likely to be necessary after school age. Quality of life in survivors is patient-perceived as entirely satisfactory.