Prediction of successful primary closure of congenital abdominal wall defects using intraoperative measurements

Abdominal Wall Defects-Current Treatments

Gastroschisis and omphalocele reflect the two most common abdominal wall defects in newborns. First postnatal care consists of defect coverage, avoidance of fluid and heat loss, fluid administration and gastric decompression. Definitive treatment is achieved by defect reduction and abdominal wall closure. Different techniques and timings are used depending on type and size of defect, the abdominal domain and comorbidities of the child. The present review aims to provide an overview of current treatments.

Gastroschisis: A State-of-the-Art Review

Gastroschisis, the most common type of abdominal wall defect, has seen a steady increase in its prevalence over the past several decades. It is identified, both prenatally and postnatally, by the location of the defect, most often to the right of a normally-inserted umbilical cord. It disproportionately affects young mothers, and appears to be associated with environmental factors. However, the contribution of genetic factors to the overall risk remains unknown. While approximately 10% of infants with gastroschisis have intestinal atresia, extraintestinal anomalies are rare. Prenatal ultrasound scans are useful for early diagnosis and identification of features that predict a high likelihood of associated bowel atresia. The timing and mode of delivery for mothers with fetuses with gastroschisis have been somewhat controversial, but there is no convincing evidence to support routine preterm delivery or elective cesarean section in the absence of obstetric indications. Postnatal surgical management is dictated by the condition of the bowel and the abdominal domain. The surgical options include either primary reduction and closure or staged reduction with placement of a silo followed by delayed closure. The overall prognosis for infants with gastroschisis, in terms of both survival as well as long-term outcomes, is excellent. However, the management and outcomes of a subset of infants with complex gastroschisis, especially those who develop short bowel syndrome (SBS), remains challenging. Future research should be directed towards identification of epidemiological factors contributing to its rising incidence, improvement in the management of SBS, and obstetric/fetal interventions to minimize intestinal damage.

Recognition and management of abdominal compartment syndrome among German pediatric intensivists: results of a national survey

INTRODUCTION

Several decades ago, the beneficial effects of goal-directed therapy, which include decompressive laparotomy (DL) and open abdomen procedures in cases of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) in children, were proven in the context of closures of abdominal wall defects and large-for-size organ transplantations. Different neonatologic and pediatric disease patterns are also known to be capable of increasing intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). Nevertheless, a considerable knowledge transfer regarding such risk factors has hardly taken place. When left undetected and untreated, IAH threatens to evolve into abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS), which is accompanied by a mortality rate of up to 60% in children. Therefore, the present study looks at the recognition and knowledge of IAH/ACS among German pediatric intensivists.

METHODS

In June 2010, a questionnaire was mailed to the heads of pediatric intensive care units of 205 German pediatric hospitals.

RESULTS

The response rate was 62%. At least one case of IAH was reported by 36% of respondents; at least one case of ACS, by 25%. Compared with adolescents, younger critically ill children appeared to develop IAH/ACS more often. Routine measurements of IAP were said to be performed by 20% of respondents. Bladder pressure was used most frequently (96%) to assess IAP. Some respondents (17%) only measured IAP in cases of organ dysfunction and failure. In 2009, the year preceding this study, 21% of respondents claimed to have performed a DL. Surgical decompression was indicated if signs of organ dysfunction were present. This was also done in cases of at least grade III IAH (IAP > 15 mmHg) without organ impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Although awareness among pediatricians appears to have been increasing over the last decade, definitions and guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of IAH/ACS are not applied uniformly. This variability could express an ever present lack of awareness and solid prospective data.

Neonatal abdominal wall defects

Gastroschisis and omphalocele are the two most common congenital abdominal wall defects. Both are frequently detected prenatally due to routine maternal serum screening and fetal ultrasound. Prenatal diagnosis may influence timing, mode and location of delivery. Prognosis for gastroschisis is primarily determined by the degree of bowel injury, whereas prognosis for omphalocele is related to the number and severity of associated anomalies. The surgical management of both conditions consists of closure of the abdominal wall defect, while minimizing the risk of injury to the abdominal viscera either through direct trauma or due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. Options include primary closure or a variety of staged approaches. Long-term outcome is favorable in most cases; however, significant associated anomalies (in the case of omphalocele) or intestinal dysfunction (in the case of gastroschisis) may result in morbidity and mortality.

The female condom as a temporary silo: a simple and inexpensive tool in the initial management of the newborn with gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to report the use of a female condom as a non-surgical silon pouch in the early management of newborns with gastroschisis with large visceroabdominal disproportion.

METHODS

Pre-washed, sterile female condoms without spermicide were used as an early approach to treat gastroschisis in 20 newborns with large defects and in whom staged correction was anticipated. The condom was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit using sterile technique, with no anesthesia, and it was removed only at the time of the surgical procedure for gastroschisis correction.

RESULTS

There were no complications associated with the use of a female condom as a temporary silo for gastroschisis. It protected the exposed organs and also allowed a careful evaluation of the bowel and a better pre-operative planning without the need for emergency procedures.

CONCLUSION

The use of a female condom as a silon pouch is a low-cost and simple alternative in the initial management of newborns with gastroschisis in whom primary correction is considered non-feasible.

Gastroschisis: incidence, complications, and clinical management in the neonatal intensive care unit

This article presents a case study of a newborn with gastroschisis, followed by a retrospective analysis of gastroschisis cases admitted in a single tertiary neonatal intensive care unit over a 5-year period in terms of maternal age, prenatal diagnosis, type of repair, length of stay, and complications. Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect resulting from ischemia to blood vessels that supply the abdominal wall during the first trimester of pregnancy. The injury results in an opening in the abdominal wall that allows the abdominal contents, most often intestines and stomach, to develop outside the abdominal cavity. The incidence of gastroschisis is rising, primarily in young mothers aged 20 years or younger. Environmental factors including medication use and nutrition are proposed mechanisms for this association. Surgical management includes techniques for primary repair in which the intestinal contents are immediately closed inside the abdomen, or staged repair if the abdominal cavity is not able to accommodate the volume of intestine. Exposure of the fetal intestine to amniotic fluid can cause inflammation and damage, and significant gastrointestinal problems occur during the neonatal period after closure of the defect. Complications include prolonged ileus, sepsis, associated intestinal atresias, malabsorption, wound infection, and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Closing arguments for gastroschisis: management with silo reduction

BACKGROUND

There are two approaches to close gastroschisis. Primary closure (PC) is reduction and fascial closure; silo closure (SC) places viscera in a preformed-silo and reduces the contents over time. We have shifted from PC to SC. This study compared the outcomes of these two techniques.

METHODS

Records of babies with gastroschisis from 1994-2004 were reviewed. Closure type, ventilator days, days to full-feeds, hospital days, complications, and mortality were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients underwent PC; 20 patients had SC. Differences in ventilator days, days to full-feeds, and hospital days were not statistically significant. Nine PC patients developed closure-related complications vs. none in SC (P < 0.05). Eight PC vs. two SC patients had non-closure-related complications (P < 0.05). Four PC vs. zero SC patients developed necrotizing enterocolitis (P < 0.05). Five PC vs. one SC patients had ventral hernia (P < 0.05). No patient died.

CONCLUSION

PC resulted in higher incidence of reclosure, non-closure-related complications, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Consequently, we recommend SC as the preferred treatment.

The outcome of newborns with abdominal wall defects according to the method of abdominal closure: the experience of a single center

Recent reports suggest that the technique of abdominal closure in neonates with anterior abdominal wall defects (AWD) correlates with the outcome. The aim of this study is to analyze factors related to mortality and morbidity, according to the technique of abdominal closure of these neonates. Retrospective analysis of charts from 76 consecutive neonates with AWD treated in a single institution. They were divided according to the type of abdominal wall closure: group I: primary closure, group II: silo followed by primary closure and group III: silo followed by polypropylene mesh. Outcome was analyzed separately for neonates with gastroschisis and omphalocele. There were 13 deaths (17.1%). Mortality for neonates with isolated defects was 9.6%. Mortality rate was similar in all groups for either neonates with gastroschisis or omphalocele. Postoperative complications were not significantly different among groups except for a prolonged time of hospitalization in group III. Mortality rate is not correlated with the type of abdominal closure. Neonates with primary closure or with other methods of abdominal wall closure had similar rate of postoperative complications. Neonates with mesh closure of the abdomen have prolonged hospitalization. The use of a polypropylene mesh is a good alternative for neonates whose primary closure or closure after silo placement is not possible.

Splanchnic perfusion pressure: a better predictor of safe primary closure than intraabdominal pressure in neonatal gastroschisis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Both measured intraabdominal pressure (IAP) and calculated splanchnic perfusion pressure (SPP) have been advocated for use in operative management of gastroschisis. We directly compared these 2 clinical indices.

METHODS

Institutional review board-approved multi-institutional retrospective review from 3 centers with 112 subjects. Splanchnic perfusion pressure was recorded as mean arterial pressure-IAP. We compared the clinical utility of IAP and SPP using univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS

Calculated mean SPP was higher among neonates requiring silo placement compared to those without (39.0 +/- 1.9 vs 33.7 mm Hg, P < .01). Measured IAP levels were similar between groups (11.5 +/- 1.1 vs 10.0 +/- 0.5, mm Hg, P < .4). On a receiver operating characteristic curve, the inflection point for more than 90% specificity for silo placement was at an SPP of 44. In multivariate regression analysis adjusting for all factors below, SPP was independently associated with silo placement (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.3, P < .01), and IAP was not (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval <1.0-1.5, P < .1).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that SPP is a stronger predictor than IAP for the ability to achieve primary closure in the management of neonatal gastroschisis. We infer from these data that intraoperative SPP of more than 43 mm Hg may obviate the need for silo placement.

Staged repair of giant omphalocele in the neonatal period

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of giant omphalocele repaired in the neonatal period.

METHODS

Twelve consecutive (1997-2004) neonates with giant omphalocele (defect >6 cm with liver herniation) were reviewed. A silo of Prolene mesh (Ethicon) was attached to the fascia and the defect was closed without opening the amniotic sac after sequential reduction. In 2 neonates with ruptured omphalocele a plastic sheet was inserted below the mesh. Data are reported as median and range.

RESULTS

Gestational age was 38 weeks (range, 32-40 weeks) and birth weight was 2.9 kg (range, 1.0-3.1 kg). The final closure was achieved at 26 days (range, 16-62 days). Three neonates (25%) died before final closure (causes: ruptured omphalocele, lung hypoplasia, cardiac anomalies, and intestinal failure). In the 9 surviving neonates, mechanical ventilation was required for 8 days (range, 2-20 days), hospital stay was 42 days (range, 23-73 days), and full enteral feeding was achieved on day 12 (range, 4-53 days). Complications included wound infection in 5 neonates and midgut volvulus in 1. Prophylactic Ladd's procedure was performed laparoscopically at a later stage in 4 children. At laparoscopy, intraperitoneal adhesions were minimal and the central liver did not preclude the operation. The 9 survivors are all well after 46 months (range, 12-67 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Giant omphalocele can be safely repaired in the neonatal period without opening the amniotic sac. Intestinal malrotation should be excluded and Ladd's procedure can be performed laparoscopically at a later stage.

Comparison of indirect methods of measuring intra-abdominal pressure in children

OBJECTIVE

To determine the most accurate indirect method of measuring intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) in children.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Single-centre, prospective, clinical study in a 23-bed specialist paediatric intensive care unit in Australia.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

20 children admitted to paediatric intensive care with a peritoneal dialysis catheter in situ following congenital cardiac surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

IAP was measured directly via the peritoneal dialysis catheter and by intragastric manometry via an indwelling nasogastric tube, and by intravesical manometry via an indwelling transurethral urinary catheter, using volumes of 0, 1, 3 and 5 ml/kg body weight of sterile saline instilled into the bladder.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Across the range of IAPs of 1-8 mmHg the Bland-Altman method for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement showed bladder pressure measured via the urinary catheter with 1 ml/kg body weight of saline instilled to be the most accurate indirect measurement technique, tending to give pressures between 0.07 and 1.23 mmHg higher than the direct measurement (95% CI for bias). Measuring bladder pressure with either no saline instilled or more saline per kilogram body weight instilled was less accurate over the same range of pressures, as was measuring the gastric pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The most accurate indirect method of measuring IAP in children over the normal range of IAPs involves measuring bladder pressure via a transurethral urinary catheter with 1 ml/kg body weight of sterile saline instilled into the bladder.

New method of surgical delayed closure of giant omphaloceles: Lazaro da Silva's technique

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The management of patients with a giant omphalocele remains a difficult problem. In this study, the authors described a new surgical approach for delayed closure of ventral hernia--the Lazaro da Silva's technique--in conservatively treated patients.

METHODS

Ventral hernias of 11 conservatively treated patients were corrected by Lazaro da Silva's technique from 1987 to 2002 in Clinic's Hospital of UFMG. The surgical procedure consisted of the bilateral longitudinal fibroperitoneal-aponeurotic transposition, resulting in 3 different layers of closure. The evolution of these patients is reported.

RESULTS

The presence of associated anomalies was observed in 8 patients (73%), with a predominance of cardiac defects. No alterations were associated with the use of silver sulfadiazine for epithelialization. Despite the size of the ventral hernia, no difficulties were related to the surgical procedure. Furthermore, no peri- and postoperative complications were observed. The hospital stay was approximately 8 days. The aesthetic result was excellent in all patients, and no recurrence of ventral hernia was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These results lead to the conclusion that conservative management of giant omphaloceles with delayed closure of the ventral hernia using Lazaro da Silva's technique is a safe and reliable approach for treating these critically ill patients.

Damage control surgery in children

Whilst the principles of damage control are the same in paediatric surgery as in adults the unique qualities of children must be appreciated. Children are more susceptible to hypothermia and multiple trauma. Technical aspects of the damage control laparotomy specific to children are outlined. Lessons learnt from damage control in neonatal surgery are transferable to paediatric trauma.

Is splanchnic perfusion pressure more predictive of outcome than intragastric pressure in neonates with gastroschisis?

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to determine whether calculated splanchnic perfusion pressure (SPP) is more predictive of outcome than measured intragastric pressure (IGP) in patients with gastroschisis.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review from 1997 through 2003 of 12 patients with gastroschisis.

RESULTS

Eight total patients with gastroschisis underwent reduction and had adequate data for analysis. One patient underwent reduction on day of life (DOL) 6; the remainder underwent reduction on DOL 1. All patients had postreduction IGP <20 mm Hg. The correlation coefficient of IGP and date of extubation was 0.20 and of SPP and date of extubation was -0.51. The correlation coefficient of IGP and return of bowel function was -0.06 and of SPP and return of bowel function was -0.50.

CONCLUSION

SPP may be more predictive of outcome than IGP after gastroschisis repair.

Evolution of staged versus primary closure of gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

Since the introduction of a preformed silo to the authors' practice in 1997, there has been a decrease in primary closure of gastroschisis. To clarify the impact of this change, the authors reviewed their results over the past 10 years.

METHODS

From patient records, the authors abstracted the closure method, mechanical ventilation days, time to full feeds, mechanical and infectious complications, and length of stay. The authors compared groups using the Student t test and the Mann-Whitney test, as appropriate.

RESULTS

Between 1993 and the present, 124 patients were identified. Between 1993 and 1997, 38 children presented with gastroschisis. Thirty-two (84.2%) closures were primary and six (18.8%) were staged. After 1997, the authors treated 80 children with gastroschisis. There were 27 (33.8%) primary and 53 (66.2%) staged closures. Six patients with other lethal anomalies were excluded. Length of stay and ventilator days were higher for the staged closure group, but infection and mechanical complications were less common in the staged closure group. The time to full feeds did not differ.

CONCLUSIONS

A lower incidence of infection and complications related to abdominal compartment syndrome has made staged closure of gastroschisis more common in the authors' practice. While it has resulted in a longer hospital stay, staged closure decreases the risk of long-term bowel dysfunction and need for reoperation.

Uso primário da membrana amniótica na redução de onfaloceles gigantes

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a eficiência da redução de grandes onfaloceles utilizando o âmnio como "silo". MÉTODO: Doze pacientes com onfaloceles gigantes submetidos à redução progressiva pela inversão do âmnio. RESULTADOS: Obtida redução completa entre cinco e dez dias, sem necessidade de prótese, em dez pacientes. Foram colocados dois "silos" por ruptura do âmnio durante a redução, com um óbito por septicemia. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar da casuística ser pequena, o método se mostrou confiável e eficaz no tratamento definitivo das grandes onfaloceles.

Pain management in the critically ill child

Children frequently received no treatment, or inadequate treatment, for pain and for painful procedures. The newborn and critically ill children are especially vulnerable to no treatment or under-treatment. Nerve pathways essential for the transmission and perception of pain are present and functioning by 24 weeks of gestation. The failure to provide analgesia for pain results in rewiring the nerve pathways responsible for pain transmission in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and results in increased pain perception for future painful results. Many children would withdraw or deny their pain in an attempt to avoid yet another terrifying and painful experiences, such as the intramuscular injections. Societal fears of opioid addiction and lack of advocacy are also causal factors in the under-treatment of pediatric pain. False beliefs about addictions and proper use of acetaminophen and other analgesics resulted in the failure to provide analgesia to children. All children even the newborn and critically ill require analgesia for pain and painful procedures. Unbelieved pain interferes with sleep, leads to fatigue and a sense of helplessness, and may result in increased morbidity or mortality.

Neonatal surgical emergencies

Improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital disorders have resulted in a change in surgical practice. Many conditions that formerly required corrective surgery immediately after birth are no longer surgical emergencies. Most babies with congenital anomalies that can be corrected by surgery are now stabilized and optimized before the procedure. This article focused on the more common conditions that require semi-elective or urgent surgery in the neonatal period. Salient features of each of these disorders were described. Factors unique to each of these conditions that can affect the anesthetic course of these children were discussed. Methods and techniques that may aid in the anesthetic management of these children were delineated.

Routine insertion of a silastic spring-loaded silo for infants with gastroschisis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Gastroschisis traditionally is managed by emergency operating room closure (EC), with a silo reserved for cases that cannot be closed primarily. The authors recently began using routine insertion of a SILASTIC (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) spring-loaded silo (SLS), followed by elective closure.

METHODS

A total of 43 consecutive neonates with gastroschisis were treated between 1993 and 1998.

RESULTS

Thirty patients underwent EC, and 13 underwent closure after insertion of a SLS (10 at bedside, 3 in the operating room). Eight infants treated by EC required staged repair. There were no differences with respect to gestational age, birth weight, gender, Apgar score, maternal age, or mode of delivery. Median length of stay was 32 days for EC and 25 days for SLS (P = .05). The SLS group required fewer days on a ventilator (4 v 6 days, P = .03) and had lower intraoperative (28 v 21, P = .02) and early postoperative peak airway pressures. The time to tolerate full feedings was 21 days for SLS and 27 days for EC (P = .07). The SLS group had fewer complications and a lower median hospital charge ($71,498 v $85,147; P = .05).

CONCLUSION

SLS followed by elective repair permits gentle, gradual reduction of the viscera. When compared with EC, SLS is associated with significantly lower airway pressures, earlier extubation, fewer complications, and decreased length of stay and hospital charges.

Intraabdominal pressure: a parameter helpful for diagnosing and predicting a complicated course in children with appendicitis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The intraabdominal pressure (IAP) of children presenting with acute, perforated, or suspected appendicitis were determined and compared to define if the IAP has any diagnostic value or helps to predict a complicated course.

METHODS

Eighty-four patients with a initial diagnosis of appendicitis were evaluated. In addition to preoperative measurements, IAP of each patient was determined repeatedly on the postoperative first, second, and third days. The patients were grouped according to the final diagnoses as acute, perforated, or suspected appendicitis or negative exploration. The preoperative and postoperative IAP of the patients were compared among the groups. Postoperative complications were recorded, and IAP of those patients were additionally compared with the others in the same group.

RESULTS

Whereas a normal appendix was found in 4 of the operated patients, 27 and 38 patients had acute and perforated appendicitis, respectively. The mean preoperative values of IAP for acute, perforated, or suspected appendicitis and negative exploration were 6.2 +/- 0.4, 9 +/- 0.3, 0.3 +/- 0.4, and 3 +/- 0.4 cm H2O, respectively (P< .001). Postoperative first day and second day values of the IAP for acute appendicitis, perforated appendicitis, and negative laparotomy groups were 2 +/- 0.2 and 0.6 +/- 0.1,3 +/- 0.1 and 1.5 +/- 0.1,0.5 +/- 0.6 and -0.2 +/- 0.6 cm H2O, respectively. The difference between acute and perforated appendicitis groups was significant (P< .05). Wound infection was encountered in 7 among 38 patients with perforated appendicitis. The preoperative and first postoperative day IAP values of patients with perforated appendicitis who experienced a wound infection and who were without a wound infection have been 11.8 +/- 0.4 and 4.8 +/- 0.2, and 8.4 +/- 0.2 and 3.1 +/- 0.3 cm H2O (P< .001). Discriminant analysis has shown that 93.3%, 70.4%, and 73.3% of patients with suspected, acute, and perforated appendicitis have been within the expected groups. IAP less than 1.39 cm H2O has excluded appendicitis with a 95% confidence interval. Although the interval has been between 5.40 and 7.04 cm H2O for acute appendicitis, it has varied between 8.46 and 9.70 cm H2O for perforated appendicitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the IAP does not increase in conditions mimicking appendicitis, it increases among children with appendicitis. A further increase is encountered among children with perforated appendicitis. Complicated course is encountered among children with highest IAP values. Therefore, IAP may be used both as a diagnostic parameter and a predictor of a complicated course associated with appendicitis in children.

Transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients and the lower esophageal sphincter after tight abdominal wall plication in the rat

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is increasingly recognized as a complication of surgical closure of gastroschisis and omphalocele.

AIM

This study tests the hypothesis that forceful abdominal wall closure reinforces the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients that constitute the main GER-driving force and challenges the antireflux barrier.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Abdominal and esophageal pressures as well as lower esophageal sphincter pressures (LESP) and length (LESL) were measured in 17 adult rats before tight abdominal wall plication, after it, and 1 week later.

RESULTS

This maneuver increased the transdiaphragmatic expiratory gradient from 0.67 +/- 1.31 to 6.97 +/- 2.68 mm Hg (P < .01) and the inspiratory gradient from 4.36 +/- 1.13 to 10.79 +/- 2.31 mm Hg (P < .01) by markedly increasing both the expiratory (from 1.47 +/- 0.74 to 9.44 +/- 1.85 mm Hg; P < .01) and inspiratory (from 0.98 +/- 0.69 to 6.83 +/- 1.55 mm Hg; P < .01) intraabdominal pressures. These changes were transient, and all pressures became normal after 1 week. The antireflux barrier functioned properly under these new conditions because both LESP and the diaphragmatic pinch-cock pressure (DPP) increased, from 20.3 +/- 3.63 to 26.5 +/- 4.31 mm Hg (P < .01) and from 16.4 +/- 7.25 to 22.5 +/- 4.36 mm Hg (P < .01), respectively, while LESL remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Tight abdominal wall plication in the rat generates high intraabdominal pressures and thus reinforces the transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients, but these conditions elicit a healthy barrier response with sphincteric reinforcement. In addition, these changes are transient and fade out some time after operation. These facts should be taken into account for understanding the pathogenesis of GER after repair of abdominal wall defects in human babies.

Intraoperative vascular assessment for estimation of risk in primary closure of omphalocele and gastroschisis

Surgical repair of anterior abdominal wall defects is often complicated by a discrepancy between the eviscerated organs and the intra-abdominal space available. Primary closure of the abdominal wall may result in increased intra-abdominal pressure and consecutive circulatory impairment. We report the results of a retrospective and consecutive prospective study evaluating the influence of different witameters on mortality and morbidity in children with gastroschitis and omphalocele. Both studies demonstrated that real-time sonographic investigations, intraoperative Doppler duplex sonography, and colour-coded Doppler sonography provide the oppurtunity to collect objective intraoperative data. Our data indicate that intraoperative vascular assessment facilitates the discrimination between infants who benefit from primary closure and those in whom a staged repair is the treatment of choice.

The pivotal role of the surgeon in the results achieved in gastroschisis

A single neonatal surgical unit treated 42 cases of gastroschisis over a 12-year period (1981-1993). The surgical management of each case was individualised, but every attempt was made to perform a primary repair when possible, based on the premise that this strategy gave the best outcome. The eviscerated intestine was evaluated with the patient under general anaesthesia. Serosal peel was not removed and intestinal atresias were not repaired. Gangrenous intestine was resected. The contents of the bowel were emptied proximally via a large naso-gastric tube and distally via the anus with warm saline lavage. The anterior abdominal wall was stretched and then reduction of the prolapse attempted. Following maximal enlargement of the peritoneal cavity, it was left to the operator to decide whether primary repair was possible and, indeed, permissible in each instance. Staged repairs necessitated the use of silastic pouches. Respiratory and intestinal insufficiency were managed by intermittent positive-pressure ventilation and total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Over one-half of the cases (24 of 42) were under 2.5 kg at birth. Intra-uterine growth retardation was unusual. Ten babies were delivered for obstetrical indications by Caesarean section: 50% were pre-term and in 4 pre-natal diagnosis of a ventral abdominal wall anomaly had been made. The transmural defects were all sited at the umbilicus and were to the right of a consolidated cord in 41 instances. Midgut necrosis due to torsion was encountered in 1 case; 3 further cases with intestinal atresia occurred. Primary closure was obtained in 30 (71%) of the cases reviewed. A prosthetic pouch was used in 12 patients for on everage 10 days in 10 uncomplicated cases. The average length of time in days of tertiary care given to 25 uncomplicated cases treated by primary fascial closure was: ventilatory support 4; intensive care treatment 8; and nutritional source TPN 20. There were 5 deaths (12%): 1 was unpreventable due to prenatal intestinal infarction; 2 were due to abdominal compartment syndrome with renal failure, and, intestinal ischaemia complicating primary and planned staged repairs; 1 caused by intestinal infarction due to torsion of bowel in a pouch; and 1 due to invasive infection. The role played by the strategy taken by the surgeon in the management of gastroschisis is crucial to the outcome. The creation of a compartment-like syndrome produced uncorrectable complications in this series of cases in both primary and staged abdominal wall closures. Minor degrees of this complication proved to be reversible in some patients, which was the reason for the wait-and-see attitude adopted in the management of this problem, often with fatal outcome. Where intra-peritoneal pressure monitoring is not used, the operating surgeon relies on unscientific observations for decision-making at the operating table. The time from birth to operation in 25 of the reviewed cases was on average 5 1/2 h. Of this group, 20 were outborn babies. This is unsatisfactory, but as shown by this review, even in the absence of prenatal management, which should ensure prompt repair, satisfactory results are still possible.

Gastroschisis: a simple technique for staged silo closure

In conjunction with the Neonatology Department at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, a new protocol has evolved for the management of infants with gastroschisis, which obviates both risks associated with primary and staged silo closure. After stabilization of the infant in the neonatal intensive care unit, under sterile conditions, a 5- or 7-cm SILASTIC silo with a spring-loaded ring is placed over the exposed viscera, under the fascial defect. No sutures are required. A fentanyl drip is given, and the bowel is gradually reduced over the next few days. The transparent material of the silo allows for continuous monitoring of the condition of the bowel. Second-stage closure in the operating room is performed using a purse-string suture in the fascia to create a pseudoumbilicus. From October 1992 to April 1994 the authors managed 10 infants using this protocol. The results are compared with those of infants with gastroschisis treated at the same institution between August 1982 and June 1993. Outcome parameters to be compared include time until closure, time on ventilation, days of total parenteral nutrition, time until start of oral feeding, time until toleration of full-volume oral feeding, and time until discharge. The authors conclude that silo closure in the neonatal intensive care unit is simple, quick, and effective. It eliminates multiple trips to the operating room, allows the natural accommodation of the bowel into the abdominal cavity with little edema and minimal vascular compromise, and has become the authors' treatment of choice for infants with gastroschisis.

Spinal anesthesia for primary repair of gastroschisis: a new and safe technique for selected patients

Spinal anesthesia has been described for infants and premature babies undergoing minor operative procedures. The advantages of shorter operating time, avoidance of intubation, and shorter hospital stay have made this the gold standard for premature and other high-risk infants requiring minor procedures. However, little is known about this technique for major interventions in newborns and preterm infants. Recently, four infants born with gastroschisis underwent repair under spinal anesthesia. Two had accompanying intestinal atresia (one with a prenatal perforation and pan-hypopituitarism), and two had intact gastrointestinal systems. The gestational ages were 39, 33, 36, and 36 weeks, respectively. All had primary closure of the defect; one had no repair of the atresia because the bowel was thick and matted with a significant peel, and the defect was not identified. In the second case with atresia, necrosis and perforation of a localized segment of intestine was identified proximal to the intestinal atresia, and was exteriorized with the primary repair. When they arrived in the operating room, all four infants were breathing spontaneously, on room air, after appropriate fluid resuscitation. All underwent spinal anesthesia, which was the only agent used for the operation. The operative time was 45, 25, 30, and 25 minutes, respectively (mean, 31.25 minutes). The duration of anesthesia was 170 to 230 minutes (mean, 205 minutes). All infants were returned to the neonatal intensive care unit on room air and breathing spontaneously. One was given morphine postoperatively and suffered significant respiratory depression, requiring intubation. It appears that spinal anesthesia is safe and effective for major operative procedures in high-risk infants. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sequential sac ligation for giant omphalocele

The authors describe a technique for the management of giant omphalocele in which the sac is not resected, but used to sequentially reduce the contents into the abdominal cavity. Three patients were treated in this fashion. Delayed primary fascial closure was achieved in two. The third patient did not have complete reduction after 3 weeks, and temporary placement of a silastic sheet was required. The sac remained intact in all three cases, and neither infection nor injury to the abdominal contents occurred. This technique has the advantages of maintaining an intact membrane and avoiding the initial operative placement of a prosthetic silo in these sometimes critically ill neonates.

Bladder pressure monitoring significantly enhances care of infants with abdominal wall defects: a prospective clinical study

Increased intraabdominal pressure (IAP) has been demonstrated to cause intestinal and renal ischemia in both animals and humans. Neonates undergoing closure of anterior abdominal wall defects are at risk for these complications from markedly increased IAP, which are putatively responsible for a 13% to 20% mortality. In an effort to decrease morbidity and mortality we performed a 4-year prospective clinical study to determine if monitoring IAP using bladder pressure (BdP) measurements would significantly improve perioperative care in infants with abdominal wall defects. Forty-two consecutive infants with gastroschisis (28) and omphalocele (14) were prospectively studied. Intraoperative and serial postoperative measurements of BdP were obtained from an indwelling bladder catheter using a standard pressure transducer. Methods of initial closure, as well as manipulations in sedation, paralysis, and silo reduction, were selected to keep BdP < 20 mm Hg. Bladder pressure monitoring significantly altered the management of 64% of our patients, particularly those with gastroschisis (74%). Thirteen patients with gastroschisis underwent staged closure; in 7 (54%) this decision was based on high BdP even though bowel reduction was mechanically possible. Elevated BdP influenced the closure method and timing of silo reductions in 5 of 14 (42%) infants with omphalocele. There were no episodes of renal failure or refractory oliguria. There were three patients in a single cluster who developed uncomplicated, nonsurgical necrotizing enterocolitis late in their respective courses. One patient whose bowel was placed in a silo had severe hypotension associated with group B streptococcal sepsis and subsequently developed necrotic bowel despite low BdP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Gastroschisis wringer clamp: a safe, simplified method for delayed primary closure

When primary abdominal wall closure in a newborn with gastroschisis cannot be accomplished safely, placement of a reinforced Silastic silo facilitates delayed primary closure (DPC). In this report we describe our experience with the gastroschisis wringer clamp (GWC). The GWC is an autoclavable, 140-g, aluminum alloy device reminiscent of an old wringer washing machine. It consists of two apposing serrated rollers that pull the Silastic silo through a slotted base plate. This protects the intestine and converts the circular defect into a vertical slit to ease DPC. The GWC is adjusted daily on the awake newborn in the nursery and the magnitude of each adjustment is gauged by the infant's cardiac and pulmonary status. For the past 10 years we have cared for 116 newborns with gastroschisis. The average birth weight was 2,530 g (range, 1,380 to 3,300 g). Eighty-six infants (74.1%) have undergone primary closure. The remaining 30 infants (25.9%) were treated by placement of a Silastic silo and application of the GWC, forming the basis of this report. The DPC operation was performed an average of 6.7 days (range, 3 to 23 days) following the application of the silo. Extubation was usually possible prior to the DPC, with the mean length of mechanical ventilation being 3.8 days. Three patients developed serious complications including two dehiscences of the silo-fascia interface. There were no deaths in this group of 30 patients. The GWC offers many technical advantages and can be easily reversed when the infant's cardiopulmonary status deteriorates. We advocate its adoption as a method of choice in the newborn with gastroschisis who requires DPC.

Advantages and pitfalls of amnion inversion repair for the treatment of large unruptured omphalocele: results of 22 cases

This is a report of our experience with 22 cases of large unruptured omphaloceles treated by amnion inversion during the period 1973 through 1990. The method is characterized by three stages: (1) a silastic sheet is sutured directly to the skin around the amniotic membrane, under local anaesthesia, without dissection between the skin and the amnion; (2) the reduction of herniated viscera into the abdominal cavity is achieved by squeezing the sheeting using a specially modified stapler; and (3) the amniotic membrane is preserved intact, and inverted into the abdominal cavity at the time of abdominal wall closure. Of the 22 infants, 19 survived with satisfactory results. Two patients died of multiple associated anomalies, and the remaining patient died of sepsis arising at the time of the final abdominal closure. This procedure has proved to be effective and safe for high-risk patients with congenital heart diseases, anal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, or bronchial stenosis and prematurity. The practical aspects of the procedure, as well as its advantages and pitfalls, are illustrated.

Paediatric emergencies

During the last decade neonatal surgical results have improved considerably. Except for infants born with serious congenital heart disease, diaphragmatic hernia or exomphalos, postoperative mortality rates for infants with single anomalies have fallen to the region of 10%. This dramatic success story has been marred by a corresponding increase in the number of individuals with several anomalies entering late childhood with severe chronic handicaps. During the remainder of this century much effort will be expended in devising programmes of investigation which will attempt to predict which individuals will have a poor long-term prognosis. Such programmes will necessitate very close liaison between obstetricians, radiologists, neonatologists, local paediatricians, paediatric surgeons, general practitioners and parents. Very urgent surgery is necessary for the best results in infants with gastroschisis, intestinal volvulus and irreducible inguinal hernia, but for most other conditions there have been recent trends away from very urgent surgery to operation during daylight hours within the ensuing 24 h. Surgery within a few hours of presentation is necessary for intussusception and for early acute appendicitis, but perforated appendicitis should be treated by aggressive fluid replacement and intravenous antibiotics and surgery should be contemplated only in the rare cases of continued deterioration.

Amnion inversion in the treatment of giant omphalocele

Operative repair of giant omphaloceles remains a technical challenge to close the wide abdominal wall defect. Currently, most surgeons remove the amnion to approximate the linea alba and/or skin edges or to suture prosthetic material to the abdominal wall and cover the defect with skin flaps. In doing so, the liver commonly becomes extruded and distended with blood, compounding the problem of reducing all of the viscera within the small abdominal cavity. Furthermore, bowel obstruction from adhesions produced from opening the abdomen is a life-long threat. We describe six cases of giant omphalocele in which the amnion was left intact, and it was progressively inverted into the abdominal cavity by using the silastic silo, as it is used for gastroschisis. The birth weight of these infants ranged from 2,360 to 3,240 g. The abdominal wall defect measured 7.0 cm to 10.5 cm in width, and protruded at least 8 cm beyond the abdominal wall. The first stage of repair was to suture the silastic silo to the skin-amnion junction, and progressively reduce the bowel and liver within the abdomen. The intrabdominal pressure is monitored by nasogastric tube or by an indwelling bladder catheter to avoid pressures greater than 20 cm H2O, which might compromise intestinal and renal circulation. The second stage consisted of incising the skin/amnion junction to expose the linea alba. The linea alba was approximated while leaving the amnion intact and folding it into the abdominal cavity. This avoids entering the peritoneum or interfering with the blood flow to and from the liver.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Controversies in the management of gastroschisis: a study of 40 patients

Forty infants with gastroschisis were referred to two paediatric surgeons during a 13 year period. Overall survival was 90%. Nine patients were transferred in utero and 31 were referred postnatally. Birth weights, gestational ages, and Apgar scores were similar for both groups. Primary closure of the defect was successfully achieved in seven (78%) patients in the prenatally transferred group compared with 17 (55%) in the postnatal group. Significantly less postoperative assisted ventilation, and a trend in favour of early discharge home, were noted after prenatal transfer. Problems arising during postnatal transfer may have contributed to these differences. No major differences resulting from the mode of delivery were identified. Patients treated by primary closure fared significantly better than those undergoing staged repairs with prosthetic material. Prospective randomised studies are required to confirm these findings.