Management of the abdominal wall defect in the prune belly syndrome by muscle transposition: an 18-year follow-up.

Prune belly syndrome (PBS), an uncommon anomaly, consists of genito-urinary abnormalities and a partial or complete absence of abdominal wall musculature. Although the patient's genito-urinary problems are addressed, the attention currently directed toward the abdominal wall deficiency has been mostly aimed at improving the cosmetic appearance of patients and does little to replace the important functions of the musculature. These functions are the support of the viscera and their compression as well as the movement of the trunk.

Selective denervation of the S-A node in the treatment of progressive central vagal bradycardia.

The condition of central hypervagism and central vagal bradycardia, up to now, have been largely overlooked. Selective surgical vagal denervation of the SA node for progressive central and local episodic reflex arc bradycardia, via right thoracotomy, is a well-tolerated procedure even in the debilitated child. The bradycardia must, of course, be atropine-responsive.