[Current views of prune belly syndrome]

Abstract

The recent literature is reviewed and the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy and prognosis of prune belly syndrome are presented and illustrated with reference to personal experience in typical cases. It seem possible that the syndrome is not an entity in its own right, since it also appears in incomplete forms. Prenatal sonography allows an early diagnosis, but to date intrauterine treatment is not indicated. Postnatal operative intervention in the form of major reconstructive surgery has to be viewed very critically. So far, no positive effects on long-term prognosis have been proven, so that, depending upon the severity of the syndrome, treatment should be as conservative as possible.