Congenital abdominal wall defects: An update

Objective: To review published peer-reviewed literature regarding abdominal wall defects including gastroschisis and omphalocele. Methods: Review of published peer-reviewed literature using Med Line 1985-2003 and textbooks. Results: Gastroschisis and omphalocele literature is reviewed using pathology, incidence and epidemiology, prenatal evaluation, pregnancy and delivery management, postnatal outcome and fetal therapy. Conclusion: Gastroschisis and omphalocele are common abdominal wall defects and have significant morbidity and mortality. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.