Giant omphalocele correction in a patient with pentalogy of Cantrell

Pentalogy of Cantrell is a rare congenital malformation characterised by a large defect in the lower region of the sternum, diaphragm, and lower abdominal region. It is also characterised by the migration of organs, and its prognosis depends on the presence of cardiac malformations. We present the case of an 18 year-old male subjected to a scheduled giant omphalocele correction. Invasive monitoring, including cardiac output, was used to avoid episodes of instability due to the increase in abdominal pressure and the increase in venous return (as had happened on two previous operations). The prognosis depends on multiple factors, with good haemodynamic and respiratory control being the most important. Mortality is high despite the advances in monitoring. (C) 2011 Sociedad Espanola de Anestesiologia, Reanimacion y Terapeutica del dolor. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.