Minimal surgery in the prune belly syndrome

In the past 20 years 14 patients with the prune belly syndrome have been seen. A treatment regimen consisting of minimal operative intervention, prophylactic antibiotics, and regular surveillance has been followed. Four patients died in the first 4 weeks of life from grossly inadequate renal function and other anomalies. Another patient died in early adult life after a late presentation. The remaining 9 patients have recently been plan using minimal surgical intervention is a satisfactory alternative.Offprint requests to: J. M. Hutson