Thoracoabdominoplasty with umbilicoplasty for Cantrell's syndrome

Abstract

Cantrell et al. described a syndrome with five anomalies characterised by defects of the abdominal wall, lower sternum, anterior diaphragm, diaphragmatic pericardium, and heart. Because most of the children who survived could not have the thoracoabdominal wall adequately reconstructed at the initial operation, ventral herniation is often the result and they have to live with the danger of direct trauma to the unprotected heart. It therefore becomes important protect the unguarded heart while improving the appearance of the thoracoabdominal region. The reconstruction of the lower sternum has rarely been reported. We describe four such patients, three of whom had a thoracoabdominoplasty and umbilicoplasty using autologous rib cartilage and rectus muscles. All these children had solidly reconstructed sternums, and their abdominal appearances are excellent.

Key Words::

• Thoracoabdominal syndrome
• thoracoabdominoplasty
• rib cartilage
• umbilicoplasty

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.