Prune Belly Syndrome

SUMMARY The Prune Belly Syndrome is a congenitally occurring group of anomalies found almost exclusively in new‐born males. The three principle features are absent or hypoplastic musculature of the abdominal wall, bilateral cryptorchism, and dilation of the urinary tract. Early drainage of the kidneys by bilateral cutaneous loop ureterostomies may be necessary to preserve borderline renal function until the child matures enough to have surgery to provide adequate drainage and freedom from infection. The cause of the syndrome is probably some undetermined insult to the embryo between its fifth and eight gestational week. One hundred and seventy five cases have been previously reported; 16 cases seen in Pittsburg since 1953 are reviewed with the principles of management.