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Pediatric Surgery pp 1–31Cite as

Embryology of Congenital Malformations

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Abstract

Today, the embryology of numerous congenital anomalies in humans is still a matter of speculation. This is due to a number of reasons which include:

  • Misconceptions and/or outdated theories concerning normal and abnormal embryology.

  • A shortage of study material (both normal and abnormal embryos).

  • A shortage of explanatory images of embryos and developing embryonic organs.

  • Difficulties in the interpretation of serial sections.

In recent years, a number of animal models had been established which helped to overcome the shortage of both, normal and abnormal embryos. However, a general agreement on when, why and how abnormal development takes place, still does not exist. As a result, many typical malformations are still not explained satisfactorily and pediatric surgeons of all specialties are still confused when they are confronted with the background of normal and abnormal embryologic development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany

    Dietrich Kluth

  2. Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

    Roman Metzger

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  1. Dietrich Kluth
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  2. Roman Metzger
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Correspondence to Dietrich Kluth .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Our Lady’s Children's Hospital, National Children’s Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland

    Prem Puri

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Kluth, D., Metzger, R. (2016). Embryology of Congenital Malformations. In: Puri, P. (eds) Pediatric Surgery. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38482-0_1-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38482-0_1-1

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