A one-year experience in the antenatal evaluation of suspected abdominal wall and bowel defects at a military tertiary referral center.
A variety of fetal abdominal wall defects and bowel anomalies are detected or suspected antenatally at institutions providing primary, secondary, and tertiary level care. Presented is a summary of a 1-year experience at a tertiary care center demonstrating a working referral network and its advantages. Of the 10 cases presented, 8 were referred and 2 originated from within our institution. The initial diagnosis was uncertain or differed from the final diagnosis in half of referred cases. Within the military, a reliable route for referral enhances prenatal evaluation and provides intensive neonatal support at delivery if needed and more immediately available surgery if indicated.
Long
J D
JD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD.
Thomas
R L
RL
D000009:Abdominal Muscles / Q000002:abnormalities*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006554:Hernia, Umbilical / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007422:Intestines / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008889:Military Personnel; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal