[Initial measures in newborn infants with surgically correctable abnormalities].
In newborns with surgically correctable malformations the quality of primary care has considerable influence on the results of the eventual surgical repair. This is particularly true for extensive diaphragmatic and abdominal wall defects as well as for esophageal and intestinal atresia, exstrophy of the bladder and urogenital malformations. The neonatal management comprises measures generally valid for all diseased newborns and measures specific for the particular malformation. The general care concerns heat regulation, fluid balance and other vital functions. Specific regimens are necessary as primary care for diaphragmatic hernia, esophageal atresia, abdominal wall defects and neonatal bowel obstruction. Furthermore this primary management must be extended to include the care of the pregnant mother. Already in utero infants with diaphragmatic and esophageal malformations should be referred to the gynecological-neonatal center.