Characterization of Neonates with Abdominal Wall Defects and Primary Surgical Closure

¹Pediatric Surgeon, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia

²Research professor, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia

^3,4,5Medical doctor, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia

*Corresponding author: Adriana Medina Echavarria, Pediatric Surgeon, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Calle 5 sur # 29 a 151, Camino del Este, Medellín, Colombia, Phone: +57 3175178399, ORCID: 0000-0001-8950-8158, E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: May 28, 2024

Published Date: July 18, 2024

Citation: Echavarria AM, et al. (2024). Characterization of Neonates with Abdominal Wall Defects and Primary Surgical Closure. Neonatal. 5(2):19.

Copyrights: Echavarria AM, et al. ©?(2024).

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Multiple defects of the abdominal wall occur in neonates; however, the most common ones are gastroschisis and omphalocele. Both pathologies require surgical correction, with gastroschisis considered a surgical emergency. Ideally, primary closure should be achieved during the initial intervention. Nevertheless, due to various conditions, these patients may require a staged closure, known as stratified closure. Literature reports associated consequences such as prolonged stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), infections, and increased morbidity associated with fistulas and dehydration. Patients and Methods: The medical records of 60 neonates undergoing surgery at a high-complexity clinic were compiled. Their clinical characteristics, including prematurity, gender, and comorbidities, were described. Subsequently, we compared the groups of omphalocele and gastroschisis, as well as the specific subgroups requiring stratified or primary closure. Results: The need for stratified or staged closure was more frequently observed in neonates diagnosed with gastroschisis, female gender, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Conclusions: Recognizing the characteristics in neonates with abdominal wall defects that could impact the failure of surgical closure, as described in the article, could influence their management protocols, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality in patients. Additionally, this study holds significant academic importance for shaping future protocols and research studies.

Keywords: Gastroschisis, Omphalocele, Primary Closure, Neonatal Surgery, Abdominal Defects