CHALLENGES AND MANAGEMENT OF CONGENITAL ABDOMINAL WALL DEFECTS (REVIEW)

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Congenital abdominal wall malformations present significant challenges in pediatric surgery due to issues like visceroabdominal disproportion and large abdominal wall defects.
• Current management often involves artificial substitutes for abdominal wall closure, which can lead to complications such as infections and prosthesis separation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the challenges in managing congenital abdominal wall defects.
• To evaluate current surgical techniques and explore the need for advanced biomaterials in pediatric abdominal wall reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on congenital abdominal wall defect management.
• Analysis of complications associated with artificial patches and component separation techniques.
• Discussion on the requirements for ideal biomaterials for abdominal wall repair.

Main Results:

• Primary closure often requires artificial substitutes, leading to potential infections and complications.
• Component separation technique offers benefits but risks skin vascularization due to damage to epigastric artery perforators.
• Current methods highlight the need for improved surgical techniques and advanced biomaterials.

Conclusions:

• Effective treatment of congenital abdominal wall defects requires novel surgical approaches and the development of ideal biomaterials.
• Ideal biomaterials should possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifibrosis, and antiscarring properties with low immunogenicity and cost.
• Further research is essential to advance the management of these complex pediatric surgical conditions.