Ruptured exomphalos and gastroschisis: a retrospective analysis of morbidity and mortality in Nigerian children

Exploring the lived experiences of parents caring for infants with gastroschisis in Rwanda: The untold story

Pediatric surgery is a crucial pillar of health equity but is often not prioritized in the global health agenda, especially in low-and middle-income countries. Gastroschisis (GS) is a type of structural congenital anomaly that can be treated through surgical interventions. In Rwanda, neonatal surgical care is only available in one hospital. The experience of parents of children born with gastroschisis has not been previously studied in Rwanda. The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of parents of children diagnosed with GS in Rwanda. A qualitative study using a semi-structured interview guide was conducted. Parents who had children with gastroschisis and were discharged alive from the hospital in Rwanda were interviewed by trained data collectors, from May to July 2021. Data were transcribed, translated, and then coded using a structured code-book. Thematic analysis was conducted with the use of Dedoose software. Sixteen parents participated in the study. Five themes emerged from the data. They were: "GS diagnosis had a significant emotional impact on the parents", "Parents were content with the life-saving medical care provided for their children despite some dissatisfaction due to the delayed initiation of care and shortage of medications", "GS care was accompanied by financial challenges", "support systems were important coping mechanisms" and "the impact of GS care extended into the post-discharge period". Having a newborn with GS was an emotional journey. The lack of pre-knowledge about the condition created a shock to the parents. Parents found support from their faith and other parents with similar experiences. The experiences with the care received were mostly positive. The overall financial burden incurred from the medical treatment and indirect costs was high and extended beyond the hospital stay. Strengthening prenatal and hospital services, providing peer, spiritual and financial support could enhance the parents' experience.

Changing trend in the management of omphalocoele in a tertiary hospital of a middle-income country

BACKGROUND

The peri-operative management of omphalocoele in low- and middle-income countries is challenging owing to non-availability of neonatal intensive care units and equipment needed for the care of this anomaly.

AIM

This study examined our experience in the management of omphalocoele and compared the pattern and outcome with a similar study from the same centre conducted four decades ago.

METHODS

A retrospective study of neonates managed for omphalocoele from 2003 to 2017 (Group A) was performed. Their demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, management modality and outcome were obtained and statistical analysis was performed to determine the predictors of mortality. The findings were also compared with the findings of a similar study (Group B) published from this centre four decades ago from 1973 to 1978.

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients were managed in Group A and 33 in Group B. Their ages ranged from 1 to 15 days with a median age of 1 day and a median gestational age at birth of 37 weeks (range - 36-43 weeks) in Group A and 5-72 h in Group B. There were 54 (56.8%) boys and 41 (43.2%) girls in Group A and 17 (51.5%) boys and 16 (48.5%) girls in Group B. Rupture of the sac was observed in 18 (18.9%) patients in Group A and 13 (39.4%) in Group B. Operative management was adopted for 55 (57.9%) patients in Group A compared to 14 (42.4%) in Group B. Mortality was recorded in 16 (16.8%) patients in Group A and 16 (48.5%) in Group B. Following further analysis in Group A, management outcome was noted to be significantly associated with the state of the sac (P = 0.011), presence of associated sepsis (P = 0.002) at presentation and management modality (P = 0.048) with only associated sepsis independently predicting mortality.

CONCLUSION

Although epidemiological trend and clinical presentation are still similar, management outcome has improved over the years.

Major abdominal wall defects in the low- and middle-income setting: current status and priorities

Major congenital abdominal wall defects (gastroschisis and omphalocele) may account for up to 21% of emergency neonatal interventions in low- and middle-income countries. In many low- and middle-income countries, the reported mortality of these malformations is 30-100%, while in high-income countries, mortality in infants with major abdominal wall reaches less than 5%. This review highlights the challenges faced in the management of newborns with major congenital abdominal wall defects in the resource-limited setting. Current high-income country best practice is assessed and opportunities for appropriate priority setting and collaborations to improve outcomes are discussed.

Challenges and Outcome of Management of Gastroschisis at a Tertiary Institution in North-Eastern Nigeria

Introduction: Gastroschisis is a congenital anterior abdominal wall defect characterized by herniation of abdominal contents through a defect usually located to the right side of the umbilical cord. It occurs in about 1 in 2,000-4,000 live births and is slightly commoner in males. Management has remained challenging in the low and middle-income countries (LMICS), with high mortality rates. This study highlights the clinical presentation, treatment, outcomes, and challenges in the management of gastroschisis at a tertiary healthcare center in a resource-limited setting. Methods: This was a retrospective review of the records of all patients with gastroschisis managed over a period of 30 months (January 2016-June 2018). Data on patients' demographics, age, birth weight, clinical presentation, method of gastroschisis reduction and closure, complications, and outcomes were collated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. A p-value of >0.05 was considered significant. Results: Twenty-four patients with gastroschisis were managed. Of these, 18 patients had data available for analysis. There were 14 males, with a male-female ratio of 3.5:1. The median age at presentation was 11.0 h (range 1-36 h). Ten patients (55.6%) were delivered in a medical facility. One patient had type II jejunal atresia and transverse colonic atresia as associated anomalies. Improvised silos were applied by the bedside in 15 (83.3%) patients, while two patients (11.1%) had primary closure under general anesthesia. One patient died before definitive treatment could be done. Sterile urobags and female condoms were used for constructing improvised silos in 9 (60%) and 6 (40%) patients, respectively. Eight patients who had initial silo application had complete bowel reduction over a median time of 8.0 days (mean 10.0 ± 6.5 days, range 2-23 days). Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was not available. The average time to commencement of feeding was 8.0 days ± 6.6 (median 6.0 days, range 2-22 days). Full feeding was achieved in five patients (two patients in the primary closure group and three from the silo group) over a mean time of 16.8 days ± 10.4 (median 14.0 days). Sepsis was the commonest complication. Four patients (22.2%) survived. Conclusion: Management of gastroschisis remains challenging in resource-limited regions.

Assessment of gastroschisis risk factors in Egypt

AIM

Mortality in infants born with gastroschisis (GS) in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) is high. This study aimed to assess factors which might affect outcome in Egypt in order to improve survival.

METHODS

A prospective study over a 15-month duration was completed. Variables assessed covered patient, maternal, antenatal, treatment, and complications. The Gastroschisis Prognostic Score (GPS) was used to predict outcome. A validated questionnaire was used to assess socioeconomic status. The main outcome was mortality.

RESULTS

Twenty-four cases were studied. Median gestational age was 37 (26-40) weeks, and 9 (38%) were preterm. Mortality occurred in 15 (62%) infants. Median transfer time was 8 (1.5-35) hours, and 64% survived if transferred before 8 h. Median maternal age was 20 (16-27) years. All families were of a low or very-low socioeconomic level. Only 25% had antenatal scans. Most cases were simple GS, and only 3 (12.5%) were complex GS. Median length of stay was 14 (1-52) days, TPN duration was 12 (0-49) days, and days to full feeds was 5 (3-11) days. The GPS score ranged from 0 to 6 in the studied cases and negatively correlated with outcome (rS = -0.98; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The mortality of GS in Egypt is very high, mainly due to sepsis and prematurity. Young maternal age and poor socioeconomic status are linked to GS. The GPS is a good indicator of morbidity and mortality in a LMIC setting. Survival improved with better resuscitation and strict management protocols. More effort is needed to improve antenatal detection, and transfer time should be ideally below 8 h.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Reducing Gastroschisis Mortality: A Quality Improvement Initiative at a Ugandan Pediatric Surgery Unit

Introduction

With modern treatment, survival of gastroschisis exceeds 90% in high-income countries. Survival in these countries has been largely attributed to prenatal diagnosis, delivery at tertiary facilities with timely resuscitation, timely intervention, parenteral nutrition and intensive care facilities. In sub-Saharan Africa, due to lack of these facilities, mortality rates are still alarmingly high ranging from 75 to 100%. In Uganda the mortality is 98%.

Aim

The aim of this study was to reduce gastroschisis mortality in a feasible, sustainable way using a locally derived gastroschisis care protocol at a referring hospital in Western Uganda.

Methods

Data collection was performed from January to October 2018. Nursing staff were interviewed regarding the survival and management of gastroschisis babies. A locally derived protocol was created with staff input and commitment from all the team members.

Results

Four mothers absconded and 17 babies were cared for using the newly designed protocol. Seven survived and were well at one month post discharge follow-up, reducing the mortality for this condition from 98 to 59%.

Conclusion

A dedicated team with minimal resources can significantly reduce the mortality in gastroschisis by almost 40% using a locally derived protocol.

Developing and implementing an interventional bundle to reduce mortality from gastroschisis in low-resource settings

Background: Gastroschisis is associated with less than 4% mortality in high-income countries and over 90% mortality in many tertiary paediatric surgery centres across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The aim of this trial is to develop, implement and prospectively evaluate an interventional bundle to reduce mortality from gastroschisis in seven tertiary paediatric surgery centres across SSA. Methods: A hybrid type-2 effectiveness-implementation, pre-post study design will be utilised. Using current literature an evidence-based, low-technology interventional bundle has been developed. A systematic review, qualitative study and Delphi process will provide further evidence to optimise the interventional bundle and implementation strategy. The interventional bundle has core components, which will remain consistent across all sites, and adaptable components, which will be determined through in-country co-development meetings. Pre- and post-intervention data will be collected on clinical, service delivery and implementation outcomes for 2-years at each site. The primary clinical outcome will be all-cause, in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes include the occurrence of a major complication, length of hospital stay and time to full enteral feeds. Service delivery outcomes include time to hospital and primary intervention, and adherence to the pre-hospital and in-hospital protocols.  Implementation outcomes are acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, fidelity, coverage, cost and sustainability. Pre- and post-intervention clinical outcomes will be compared using Chi-squared analysis, unpaired t-test and/or Mann-Whitney U test. Time-series analysis will be undertaken using Statistical Process Control to identify significant trends and shifts in outcome overtime. Multivariate logistic regression analysis will be used to identify clinical and implementation factors affecting outcome with adjustment for confounders. Outcome: This will be the first multi-centre interventional study to our knowledge aimed at reducing mortality from gastroschisis in low-resource settings. If successful, detailed evaluation of both the clinical and implementation components of the study will allow sustainability in the study sites and further scale-up. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03724214.

Care of infants with gastroschisis in low-resource settings

There is great global disparity in the outcome of infants born with gastroschisis. Mortality approaches 100% in many low income countries. Barriers to better outcomes include lack of antenatal diagnosis, deficient pre-hospital care, ineffective neonatal resuscitation and venous access, limited intensive care facilities, poor access to the operating theatre and safe neonatal anesthesia, and lack of neonatal parenteral nutrition. However, lessons can be learned from the evolution in management of gastroschisis in high-income countries, generic efforts to improve neonatal survival in low- and middle-income countries as well as specific gastroschisis management initiatives in low-resource settings. Micro and meso-level interventions include educational outreach programs, and pre and in hospital management protocols that focus on resuscitation and include the delay or avoidance of early neonatal anesthesia by using a preformed silo or equivalent. Furthermore, multidisciplinary team training, nurse empowerment, and the intentional involvement of mothers in monitoring and care provision may contribute to improving survival. Macro level interventions include the incorporation of ultrasound into World Health Organisation antenatal care guidelines to improve antenatal detection and the establishment of the infrastructure to enable parenteral nutrition provision for neonates in low- and middle-income countries. On a global level, gastroschisis has been suggested as a bellwether condition for evaluating access to and outcomes of neonatal surgical care provision.

Gastroschisis in Uganda: Opportunities for improved survival

PURPOSE

Neonatal mortality from gastroschisis in sub-Saharan Africa is high, while in high-income countries, mortality is less than 5%. The purpose of this study was to describe the maternal and neonatal characteristics of gastroschisis in Uganda, estimate the mortality and elucidate opportunities for intervention.

METHODS

An ethics-approved, prospective cohort study was conducted over a one-year period. All babies presenting with gastroschisis in Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda were enrolled and followed up to 30days. Univariate and descriptive statistical analyses were performed on demographic, maternal, perinatal, and clinical outcome data.

RESULTS

42 babies with gastroschisis presented during the study period. Mortality was 98% (n=41). Maternal characteristics demonstrate a mean maternal age of 21.8 (±3.9) years, 40% (n=15) were primiparous, and fewer than 10% (n=4) of mothers reported a history of alcohol use, and all denied cigarette smoking and NSAID use. Despite 93% (n=39) of mothers receiving prenatal care and 24% (n=10) a prenatal ultrasound, correct prenatal diagnosis was 2% (n=1). Perinatal data show that 81% of deliveries occurred in a health facility. The majority of babies (58%) arrived at Mulago Hospital within 12h of birth, however 52% were breastfeeding, 53% did not have intravenous access and only 19% had adequate bowel protection in place. Four patients (9%) arrived with gangrenous bowel. One patient, the only survivor, had primary closure. Average time to death was 4.8days [range<1 to 14days].

CONCLUSION

The mortality of gastroschisis in Uganda is alarmingly high. Improving prenatal diagnosis and postnatal care of babies in a tertiary center may improve outcome.

Gastroschisis: Bellwether for neonatal surgery capacity in low resource settings?

INTRODUCTION

Economic disadvantage may adversely influence the outcomes of infants with gastroschisis (GS). Gastroschisis International (GiT) is a network of seven paediatric surgical centres, spanning two continents, evaluating GS treatment and outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A 2-year retrospective review of GS infants at GiT centres. Primary outcome was mortality. Sites were classified into high, middle and low income country (HIC, MIC, and LIC). MIC and LIC were sometimes combined for analysis (LMIC). Disability adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated and centres with the highest mortality underwent a needs assessment.

RESULTS

Mortality was higher in the LICs and LMICs: 100% in Uganda and Cote d'Ivoire, 75% in Nigeria and 60% in Malawi. 29% and 0% mortality was reported in South Africa and the UK, respectively. Septicaemia was the commonest cause of death. Averted and non-avertable DALYs were nil in Uganda and Cote d'Ivoire (no survivors). In the UK (100% survival) averted DALYs (met need) was highest, representing death and disability prevented by surgical intervention. Performance improvement measures were agreed: a prospectively maintained GS register; clarification of the key team members of a GS team and management pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose the use of GS as a bellwether condition for assessing institutional capacity to deliver newborn surgical care. Early access to care, efficient multidisciplinary team working, appropriate resuscitation, avoidance of abdominal compartment syndrome, stabilization prior to formal closure and proactive nutritional interventions may reduce GS-associated burden of disease in low resource settings.

Challenges of management and outcome of neonatal surgery in Africa: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Disparity still exists in the outcome of neonatal surgery between high-income countries and low-income and middle-income countries. This study reviews publications on neonatal surgery in Africa over 20 years with a focus on challenges of management, trends in outcome, and potential interventions to improve outcome.

METHODS

We did a literature review by searching PubMed and African Index Medicus for original articles published in any language between January 1995 and September 2014. A data extraction sheet was used to collect information, including type of study, demographics, number of cases, outcome, challenges, and suggestions to improve outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 51 studies from 11 countries met the inclusion criteria. The 16 studies in the first 10 years (1995-2004; group A) were compared with the 35 in the last 10 years (2005-2014; group B). Nigeria (n = 32; 62.7 %), South Africa (n = 7; 13.7 %), Tanzania (n = 2; 3.9 %), and Tunisia (n = 2; 3.9 %) were the predominant sources of the publications, which were retrospective in 38 (74.5 %) studies and prospective in 13 (25.5 %) studies. The mean sample size of the studies was 95.1 (range 5-640). Overall, 4849 neonates were studied, with median age of 6 days (range 1-30 days). Common neonatal conditions reported were intestinal atresia in 28 (54.9 %) studies, abdominal wall defects in 27 (52.9 %), anorectal malformations 25 in (49.0 %), and Hirschsprung's disease, necrotising enterocolitis, and volvulus neonatorum in 23 (45.1 %) each. Mortality was lowest (<3 %) in spina bifida and facial cleft procedures, and highest (>50 %) in emergency neonatal surgeries involving bowel perforation, bowel resection, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, oesophageal atresia, and ruptured omphalocele or gastroschisis. Overall average mortality rate was higher in group A than group B (36.9 vs 29.1 %; p < 0.001), and varied between the groups for some conditions. The major documented challenges were delayed presentation and inadequate facilities in 39 (76.5 %) studies, dearth of trained support personnel in 32 (62.7 %), and absence of neonatal intensive care in 29 (56.9 %). The challenges varied from country to country but did not differ in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Improvement has been achieved in outcomes of neonatal surgery in Africa in the past two decades, although several of the studies reviewed are retrospective and poorly designed. Cost effective adaptations for neonatal intensive care, improved health-care funding, coordinated neonatal surgical care via regional centres, and collaboration with international partners are potential interventions that could help to address the challenges and further improve outcome.

Congenital anomalies in the context of global surgery

Surgery is increasingly recognized as an essential component of global health development. This article will review the state of global pediatric surgery, utilizing congenital anomalies as a framework in which to discuss the promise of pediatric surgery in reducing the global burden of disease. Congenital anomalies are responsible for a substantial burden of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), as well as significant emotional and economic harms to the families of children with congenital anomalies. Limited pediatric surgical capacity in many LMICs has culminated in a devastating burden of avertable disability and death. Pediatric surgery is an effective and cost-effective means to reduce this burden. Pediatric surgeons must continue to drive the growth of global pediatric surgery by engaging in clinical practice, educational partnerships, and research initiatives.

Neonatal surgical care: a review of the burden, progress and challenges in sub-Saharan Africa

The outcome of neonatal surgery has significantly improved over the decades in high-income countries. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), however, it has lagged behind. This is a review of the current state of neonatal surgery in SSA. The conditions requiring surgery in the newborn are largely congenital but the rate of emergency surgery is high, reaching 40% of all neonatal surgery in some settings. Most operations are for intestinal obstruction, commonly owing to anorectal malformations and intestinal atresia, as well as abdominal wall defects. Many of the patients are delivered outside a hospital facility and often present or are referred late and are very ill at time of presentation. The morbidity following surgery is high, particularly from surgical site infections and respiratory problems. Mortality is high, sometimes reaching 45%, but has decreased in recent times. Because of a lack of trained paediatric anaesthetists, anaesthesia is often problematic and surgery is sometimes undertaken using a local anaesthetic. Further care, including bowel management and orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation, are sub-optimal owing to a lack of appropriately trained personnel and financial constraints. While the number of paediatric surgeons has increased, there are still few anaesthetists. In order to significantly improve the outcome for neonates with surgical problems in SSA, paediatric surgery, anaesthesia, neonatology and neonatal nursing capacity need to be scaled up and fast-tracked. To make neonatal surgery safer in these settings, neonatal intensive care facilities need to be provided and improved.

Infant, maternal, and geographic factors influencing gastroschisis related mortality in Zimbabwe

INTRODUCTION

Survival for infants with gastroschisis in developed countries has improved dramatically in recent decades with reported mortality rates of 4-7%. Conversely, mortality rates for gastroschisis in sub-Saharan Africa remain as great as 60% in contemporary series. This study describes the burden of gastroschisis at the major pediatric hospital in Zimbabwe with the goal of identifying modifiable factors influencing gastroschisis-related infant mortality.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all cases of gastroschisis admitted to Harare Children's Hospital in 2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to describe infant, maternal, and geographic factors influencing survival.

RESULTS

A total of 5,585 neonatal unit admissions were identified including 95 (1.7%) infants born with gastroschisis. Gastroschisis-related mortality was 84% (n = 80). Of infants with gastroschisis, 96% (n = 91) were born outside Harare Hospital, 82% (n = 78) were born outside Harare Province, and 23% (n = 25) were home births. The unadjusted odds of survival for these neonates with gastroschisis were decreased for low birth weight infants (<2,500 grams; odds ratio [OR], 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05-0.51), preterm births (<37 weeks gestational age; OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.50), and for those born to teenage mothers (<20 years of age; OR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.46). There was also a trend toward decreased odds of survival for home births (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02-1.34) and for those born outside Harare Province (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.10-1.22).

CONCLUSION

Gastroschisis-related infant mortality in Zimbabwe is associated with well-known risk factors, including low birth weight, prematurity, and teenage mothers. However, modifiable factors identified in this study signify potential opportunities for developing innovative approaches to perinatal care in such a resource-constrained environment.

Postnatal outcomes of infants with gastroschisis: a 5-year follow-up in a tertiary referral center in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate postnatal outcomes in fetuses with gastroschisis.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study (2009-2013) of patients with gastroschisis at the Hospital São Paulo (Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil).

RESULTS

A total of 44 infants with gastroschisis were examined. The mean maternal age was 21.1 years and mean gestational age at delivery was 36.1 weeks. Delivery occurred before 34 weeks in 13.6%, between 34 and 36 weeks and 6 d in 40.9%, and after 37 weeks in 45.5%. The mean birth weight was 2349 g, with 37.2% small-for-gestational age infants. The mean umbilical cord blood pH was 7.32. Bowel resection and delayed fascial closure was performed in 14.6% and 19.5%, respectively. The mean hospitalization time in the neonatal intensive care unit was 52.7 d. Neonatal infection was detected in 52.4%, with a positive blood culture; 77.3% of those cases were coagulase negative staphylococci. The overall rate of mortality was 25%; 18.2% before birth, 45.4% during the neonatal period, and 36.4% in infants. The main cause of postnatal death was septicemia (55.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite advances in perinatal care and surgical techniques, infants with gastroschisis still present high rates of complications and death.

Epidemiology, management and outcome of gastroschisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results of an international survey

BACKGROUND

The aim was to compare gastroschisis (GS) epidemiology, management and outcome in low-income countries (LIC) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with middle- (MIC) and high-income countries (HIC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 10-question survey was administered at the 2012 Pan-African Paediatric Surgery Association Congress. RESULTS are presented as median (range); differences were analysed using contingency tests.

RESULTS

A total of 82 delegates (28 countries [66 institutions]) were divided into LIC (n = 11), MIC (n = 6) and HIC (n = 11). In LIC, there were fewer surgeons and more patients. LIC reported 22 cases (1-184) GS/institution/year, compared to 12 cases (3-23)/institution/year in MICs and 15 cases (1-100)/institution/year in HICs. Antenatal screening was less readily available in LIC. Access to parenteral nutrition and neonatal intensive care in LIC was 36% and 19%, compared to 100% in HIC. Primary closure rates were similar in LIC and HIC at 58% and 54%, respectively; however, the majority of staged closure utilised custom silos in LIC and preformed silos in HIC. In LIC, mortality was reported as >75% by 61% delegates and 50-75% by 33%, compared to <25% by 100% of HIC delegates (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroschisis is a problem encountered by surgeons in SSA. Mortality is high and resources in many centres inadequate. We propose the implementation of a combined epidemiological research, service delivery training and resource provision programme to help improve our understanding of GS in SSA whilst attempting to improve outcome.

Neonatal surgery in Africa

The management of neonatal surgical problems continues to pose considerable challenges, particularly in low-resource settings. The burden of neonatal surgical diseases in Africa is not well documented. The characteristics of some neonatal surgical problems are highlighted. Late presentation coupled with poor understanding of the milieu interior of the neonates by incompetent health care providers and poorly equipped hospitals combine to give rise to the unacceptable high morbidity and mortality in most parts of Africa. Proper training of all staff involved in neonatal health care coupled with community awareness must be vigorously pursued by all stakeholders. Various governments throughout the continent of Africa, in conjunction with international donor agencies, must not only provide an adequate budget for health care services and improve infrastructures, but must also deliberately encourage and provide funding for neonatal surgical care and research across the continent. The well-established pediatric surgical training programs, particularly in North and South Africa, should hold the moral responsibility of training all possible numbers of young surgeons from other African countries that do not have any existing pediatric surgical training programs or those countries suffering from remarkable shortage of trained pediatric surgeons.

Omphalocele management using goal-oriented classification in African centre with limited resources

In 2000-09, 96 children comprising 57 males and 39 females who were presented between 2 h and 1 week of birth with omphalocele were prospectively managed using goal-oriented classification at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. All were born through spontaneous vaginal delivery, out of which 9 (9.4%) were preterm. Eighty-two (85.4%) mothers in villages with no supervised antenatal care/delivery and/or prenatal diagnosis presented their babies late. Thirty-three (34.4%) babies in group A, with defect size ≤ 4.5 cm and intact sac, were managed conservatively and had fascial closure after neonatal period, resulting in 32 (97%) survivors. Forty-two (43.8%) babies in group B, with defect size > 4.5 cm and intact sac, were managed conservatively and had fascial closures for 9 months to 5 years, resulting in 40 (95.2%) survivors. Group C comprised of 21 (21.9%) babies with defect of any size/ruptured sac and who had immediate repair, resulting in two (9.5%) survivors owing to lack of facilities (p < 0.0001). Hospital delivery and provision of facilities are advocated.

Gastroschisis: a third world perspective

PURPOSE

The incidence of gastroschisis is rising worldwide. In developed countries advances in neonatal intensive care (NICU) and the availability of total parenteral nutrition have improved survival for such patients, but in the third world mortality rates remain high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of modern intensive care facilities on the mortality of babies with gastroschisis in Africa.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all neonates admitted with a diagnosis of gastroschisis at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban over a 6-year period (2002-2007) was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 106 babies with gastroschisis presented during the review period. The prevalence of gastroschisis amongst neonatal surgical admissions increased from 6% in 2003 to 15% in 2007. 72% of patients weighed less than 2.5 kg at birth and 64% were premature (<37 weeks gestation). 91% were "outborn" with 71% delivered vaginally. Median maternal age was 22.6 years and 57% of mothers were primiparous. Primary abdominal wall closure was possible in 74% of patients. The overall mortality was 43% with sepsis being the leading cause. Staged closure was associated with a higher mortality than primary closure.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of gastroschisis amongst neonatal surgical admissions appears to be increasing. Most babies were "outborn" resulting in delays in diagnosis and referral for surgical management. Despite the availability of NICU and total parenteral nutrition the mortality remains high. Reduction in mortality will depend upon improvements in antenatal diagnosis, primary care and transportation, as well as a reduction in postsurgical sepsis.

Contemporary postnatal surgical management strategies for congenital abdominal wall defects

Early definitive closure of abdominal wall defects is possible in most cases. Staged reduction does offer distinct advantages, and mortality and morbidity may be better. Risk stratification may produce outcome and tailor management of difficult cases in the form of a clinical pathway. Stem cell technology may, in the future, offer the ideal allogenic prosthesis in complex cases.

Challenges of giant ventral hernia repair in children in an African tertiary care center with limited resources

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to report the challenges and outcome of giant ventral abdominal hernia repair in infants/children in a tertiary care center in Africa.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of infants/children who had a repair of giant ventral abdominal hernia between January 1998 and December 2007 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria, was carried out.

RESULTS

A total of 41 children aged between 9 months and 12 years (mean 2.6 +/- 1.8 years) comprising 25 males and 16 females with a male:female ratio of 1.6:1 had a repair of giant ventral abdominal hernias which were due to healed omphalocele in 37 (90.3%), incisional hernia in three (7.3%), and following initial skin closure of gastroschisis in one (2.4%). They had an average hernia defect of size 7.1 x 8.3 cm, which contained both solid and hollow viscera in all of the patients, along with 11 (29.7%) syndromic omphalocele. The major challenge was inadequate intraabdominal volume needed to accommodate the herniated viscera in nine children, which was compounded by the nonavailability of silastic materials, a pediatric ventilator, facilities required for intraabdominal pressure monitoring during closure, as well as undiagnosed associated cardiac anomaly. Overall, 39 (95.1%) children survived, while two (4.9%) mortalities were recorded due to postoperative aspiration in one child and cardiopulmonary failure in the other. Of those who survived, 29 (74.4%) had a smooth postoperative course, while ten (25.6%) had morbidity, with a mean hospitalization duration of 10 +/- 2.5 days. There was no recurrence recorded on follow-up for 5 years at the surgical outpatient clinic.

CONCLUSION

Despite the challenges, better results were achieved with repairs in infants/children compared to repairs performed in neonates.

Gastroschisis minor

BACKGROUND

Since 1994 the author has seen a number of cases of what appear to be a minor variant of gastroschisis.

METHODS

The case files of all neonates with gastroschisis (GS) presenting to the neonatal ward of the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), a referral hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, from January 1995 to December 1998 were reviewed and the presentation and survival noted.

RESULTS

Twenty-one neonates were seen; only 2 of 15 with "normal" GS survived. The other patients had gastroschisis minor (GSM) and all left the hospital alive.

CONCLUSION

In the context of the constraints and difficulties encountered in the treatment of gastroschisis in a developing country, this subgroup of patients with a more minor form of gastroschisis shows a distinct survival advantage.