BACKGROUND: Our aim is tis present initial results with the anterior longitudinal abdominoplasty, described by Furness et al (1998) in three patients operated at the Hospital Municipal Jesus, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: We describe pre and post-operative clinical data and surgical results for the first three patients submitted to surgical treatment and describe two technical modifications: retroperitoneal systematic exploration simultaneously to parietal abdominoplasty to treat cryptochid testicles and "for safety" celiotomy to protect abdominal viscera. RESULTS: Follow up 1,5 year, 15 and 10 months for patients 1, 2 and 3, respectivelly. We could demonstrate that anterior longitudinal abdominoplasty is a safe and easily performed surgical technique, with good aesthetic results and significant psychological and social improvement. Chronic constipation, aerobic capacity and postural changes are also ameliorated. Regarding urodynamic repercussions we think that a longer period of observation is necessary to reach any definitive conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior longitudinal abdominoplasty is an effective and safe technique to treat prune belly syndrome patients and ameliorates functions of the abdominal parietes. It has urodynamic consequences that need long-term follow-up.
Prune belly syndrome; Abdominoplasty
