Closure of giant omphaloceles by the abdominal wall component separation technique in infants

Background/PurposeSeveral techniques have been described to repair giant omphaloceles. There is no procedure considered to be the criterion standard worldwide. The aim of the present prospective study was to analyze the early and late results of secondary closure of giant omphaloceles using the component separation technique (CST) in infants.MethodsFrom January 2004 to January 2007, 10 consecutive pediatric patients with a giant omphalocele were treated at our department. Initially, patients were treated conservatively. After epithelialization of the omphalocele, the abdominal wall was reconstructed using CST. Patients were monitored for complications during admission, and all patients were seen for follow-up.ResultsComponent separation technique was performed at median age of 6.5 months (range, 5-69 months). The median diameter of the hernia was 8 cm (range, 6-9 cm). There was no mortality. The postoperative course was uneventful in 7 patients. Complications were seen in 3 patients (infection, skin necrosis, and hematoma). Median hospital stay was 7 days. After median follow-up of 23.5 months (range, 3-39 month), no reherniations were found.ConclusionsThe CST is a safe 1-stage procedure for secondary closure in children with a giant omphalocele without the need for prosthetic material and with good clinical outcome.