By “congenital anomaly” we mean the result of a discrepancy in the conformation of the fetus, which can occur from day 6 to the end of the 7th month of pregnancy. Etiologically, they may be due either to chromosomal disorders, genetic, environmental or other factors or they may be random events during intrauterine life.
By “congenital anomaly” we mean the result of an abnormality in the fetal conformation, which can occur from day 6 to the end of the 7th month of pregnancy.
Etiologically they may be due either to chromosomal disorders, genetic, environmental or other factors or they may be accidental events during intrauterine life. They are divided into:
Morphogenetic Deficiencies: this is a failure of complete formation of an organ. This group includes various types of agenesis, hypoplasia, syndactyly, fissures, etc.
Cumulative malformations: characterised by supernumerary tissues, e.g. polydactyly
Abnormalities: this term is used for a group of lesions that are on the borderline of true neoplasia, e.g. nevi, haemangiomas, etc.
Prenatal screening of the foetus in high-risk parents is a prerequisite for the early diagnosis of congenital anomalies.The possibilities of their surgical treatment, as well as the impact on quality of life, are determined by a team of specialists, including the plastic surgeon. In severe and incurable cases, termination of pregnancy is the only way out.
The role of the Plastic Surgeon, in their treatment, is very important, since he is called upon to provide a solution to difficult cases and to offer a good result, both functional and aesthetic.
Congenital anomalies constitute a large chapter in Plastic Reconstructive Surgery.
