[Changes of respiratory system compliance by closure of congenital abdominal wall defects and postoperative complications].

We treated four neonates with congenital abdominal wall defects and performed pulmonary function testing before and after closure of abdominal wall defects. Pulmonary mechanics were measured by passive occlusion technique. Static respiratory system compliance (Crs) was 0.61 +/- 0.16 ml.cmH2O-1 .kg-1 (mean +/- SD) preoperatively and decreased to 0.31 +/- 0.03 ml.cmH2O-1.kg-1 postoperatively. Two cases with a marked decrease in Crs after the abdominal wall closure seemed to have longer intubation time and N.P.O period and to have more complications than with the other two cases. Our experience provides an evidence that Crs measurement could be a useful index in decision-making of the treatment of neonates with congenital abdominal wall defects.