Congenital Defects of the Anterior Abdominal Wall and Diaphragm

Abstract

Congenital defects of the anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm are malformations occurring during embryogenesis and include gastroschisis, omphalocele, and diaphragmatic hernia. Diaphragmatic hernia is often accompanied by pulmonary hypoplasia that causes fetal asphyxia with varying degrees of severity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of congenital malformations of the anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm in the Clinical Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology Brasov between the years 2011 and 2017. The 29 cases included in the study range in severity from minor malformations, easily corrected through surgical procedures to severe malformations associated with other congenital anomalies that are incompatible with life. The most common congenital defect encountered in our study is a diaphragmatic hernia, which can be diagnosed through correct follow-up of the pregnancy, monthly ultrasounds, and screening tests.