THP Webinars in Abdominal Wall Defects

Around the World in 90 Minutes: Contemporary Approaches to Management of Giant Omphalocele from Six Continents

Moderator Sherif Emil, M.D., C.M.: Here are addressed the challenges of closure of giant omphalocele in an international context by hosting one surgeon from each continent to describe their contemporary approach to treatment of giant omphalocele. Attendees gain knowledge that may enable them to improve the management of giant omphalocele in their own practice.

Faculty addressed three areas:

  1. Describe their practice environment.
  2. Describe their approach to management of giant omphalocele.
  3. Present the outcomes of their management approach.

The Unborn Patient: Prenatal Diagnosis and Management of the Fetus with Gastroschisis or Omphalocele

Moderator Sherif Emil, M.D., C.M.: In many medium-income and most high-income countries, prenatal diagnosis of abdominal wall defects has become standard. The learning objectives of this webinar were: (1) To review prenatal findings in gastroschisis and potential predictors of prognosis; (2) To review prenatal findings in omphalocele and potential predictors of prognosis; and (3) To review indications for fetal intervention, early delivery, or C-section delivery in abdominal wall defects.

Gastroschisis Closure: Is There a Best Approach?

Moderator Sherif Emil, M.D., C.M.: Multiple options exist for closure of the gastroschisis defect, including immediate or delayed fascial closure, staged silo closure, and immediate or delayed sutureless closure. There is significant variability among institutions with respect to closure methods with little consensus on optimal closure methods or protocols. An international faculty share their experiences with closure.

Gastroschisis North and South

Moderator Sherif Emil, M.D., C.M.: Gastroschsisis is associated with more than 95% long-term survival in high-income countries, yet persistently very poor survival in low-income countries. This webinar explored the current status of gastroschisis outcomes throughout the world, focusing particularly on low- and middle-income countries and present some clinical and research work that may improve outcomes in different environments. Guest Presenters from throughout the world shared their experiences, isolated the challenges they face, and identified processes to resolve the challenges.

Management of Giant Omphaloceles

Moderator Rony Marwan, M.D., C.M. was joined by an Expert Panel composed of Erik Skarsgard, M.D., and Carroll Harmon, M.D., in a discussion of what constitues a giant omphalocele. The webinar discussed the physiological sequences within the context of surgical approaches to repair and management options, including Paint and Wait, Schuster Technique, and Wound Vac Application. Three patient cases illustrating this information were presented by Dr. Marwan. The Expert Panelists commented on the various treatment options, best strategies for treatment, and general disucssion about each of the patient cases. A global live audience contributed their own thoughts and suggestions.

Prenatal Imaging & Diagnosis of Giant Omphalocele

Moderator Rony Marwan, M.D. (Colorado Fetal Care Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO), was joined by Jill Stein, M.D. (Colorado Fetal Care Center, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO), and Beth Kline-Fath, M.D. (Division of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH), in an in-depth discussion of prenatal imaging and diagnosis. The webinar discussed the physiological sequences within the context of surgical approaches to repair and management options, including Paint and Wait, Schuster Technique, and Wound Vac Application. Three patient cases illustrating this information were presented by Dr. Marwan. The Expert Panelists commented on the various treatment options, best strategies for treatment, and general disucssion about each of the patient cases. A global live audience contributed their own thoughts and suggestions.