What is prune-belly syndrome?
Prune-belly syndrome, also called Eagle-Barrett syndrome or triad syndrome, is a rare congenital condition. The classic triad includes weak or absent abdominal muscles, a large abnormal bladder with urinary tract dilation, and undescended testes in boys.
Signs and associated problems
Many babies are identified before birth on ultrasound because the bladder or kidneys look enlarged. After birth, children may have a wrinkled abdominal wall, urinary tract infections, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, and undescended testes. Some children also have orthopedic, bowel, lung, or kidney problems.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with prenatal or postnatal imaging and a detailed physical examination. Kidney and bladder ultrasound, VCUG, blood tests, and careful assessment of kidney function help define the severity of the urinary tract involvement and guide the treatment plan.
Treatment options
Treatment is individualized. Some children need antibiotic prevention for recurrent urinary tract infection, bladder emptying support, orchidopexy for undescended testes, or reconstructive urinary surgery. In more severe cases, long-term bladder and kidney management is the central part of care.
Why follow-up matters
Prune-belly syndrome is not a one-time operation. Children may need repeated reassessment of bladder emptying, continence, infection risk, growth of the kidneys, and overall renal function throughout childhood.
Dr. Kallas Chemaly's approach
Dr. Kallas Chemaly approaches prune-belly syndrome in stages. He focuses on preserving kidney function, helping the bladder empty safely, coordinating the timing of surgery when needed, and guiding families through the long-term roadmap rather than treating only one visible problem.
References
- Stanford Medicine Children's Health: Prune Belly Syndrome in Children
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Prune belly syndrome
Serving families across Beirut and Mount Lebanon
Dr. Kallas Chemaly sees children from Achrafieh, Gemmayzeh, Saifi, Sodeco, Verdun, Hamra, Clemenceau, Ras Beirut, Rabieh, Mtayleb, Brummana, Beit Mery, Bikfaya, Mansourieh, Kornet Chehwan, Antelias, Dbayeh, Jounieh, Kaslik, Hazmieh, Yarze, and across Keserwan, Metn, and Baabda.
Related Conditions
When to seek urgent care
Go to the nearest emergency department if your child has: sudden painful scrotal swelling (possible testicular torsion), inability to urinate for more than 8 hours, blood in the urine with fever or severe pain, high fever (above 38.5°C) with a known urinary abnormality, or trauma to the genitals. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment — request a pediatric urology consultation immediately.