The Monfort operation for abdominal wall reconstruction in the prune belly syndrome

We present our results in correcting the abdominal wall defect in 8 patients with the prune belly syndrome using the Monfort operation. Mean patient age at operation was 10 years. Four patients also underwent significant concomitant operative procedures. There were no early postoperative complications, and the mean postoperative stay for those 4 children undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction alone was 7.7 days. This operation preserves the umbilicus, and strengthens, flattens and thickens the abdominal wall. It produces a narrow-waisted more normal physique and provides excellent transperitoneal exposure for concomitant genitourinary reconstructive procedures.