ABSTRACT
The development of neonatology in general and neonatal surgery in particular since the 1950s, has enabled the survival of an ever increasing number of newborn infants with severe congenital malformations. Traditionally, neonatal surgeons have rightly been concerned with early morbidity and mortality. During the last few decades, however, the care of these infants has progressively improved and although survival and early complications remain important outcome measures, long-term results and quality of life are becoming increasingly important to parents, clinicians, and health economists. This is particularly true in a population where long-term handicap is acknowledged to occur in a significant proportion of survivors.
