Karolinska University Hospital hosts European expert meeting on congenital abdominal wall defects

The European network ERNICA collaborates on rare congenital gastrointestinal anomalies, where Karolinska holds a leading position.

The meeting, held on November 28–29 at Karolinska University Hospital, was led by Carmen Mesas Burgos, senior consultant and associate professor in pediatric surgery specializing in abdominal wall and diaphragm malformations. Over 30 leading experts from highly specialized centers across Europe participated, forming a multidisciplinary group. The discussions focused on developing consensus treatment guidelines for rare congenital abdominal wall defects, such as omphalocele.

The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen collaboration and knowledge exchange among Europe’s top specialists and ensure that patients with these complex diagnoses receive the best possible care, grounded in collective experience and evidence-based guidelines. Topics covered surgical and medical aspects of care, from prenatal stages to neonatal care and long-term follow-up.

Karolinska plays a key role in the ERN network, emphasizing multidisciplinary care and pioneering research on rare diseases and congenital anomalies. This expert meeting highlights Karolinska's continued efforts to enhance patient outcomes across Europe and reinforce European collaboration in highly specialized care.

The meeting represents a significant step toward harmonizing care standards for these patients and solidifying ERN's role as a platform for excellence in treating rare and complex diseases.