Abdominal wall defects

[Differentiated approach to the treatment of large hernial defects of the anterior abdominal wall in children (clinical observations)]

AIM

To present an experience of treatment of children with large hernial defects of the anterior abdominal wall.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This article describes management of 43 children with large (n=31) and giant (n=12) ventral hernia who were at N.F. Filatov Children´s City Hospital #13 for the period 2005-2015. All patients underwent surgical correction using local tissues in 'edge to edge' fashion (n=23), aponeurosis dublication of 'coat floors' type (n=14) and biological implant 'Permacol' (n=6). Etiological causes of ventral hernias in children were comprehensively analyzed. Optimal time for surgical treatment and features of viscero-abdominal disproportion were discussed.

CONCLUSION

Early restoration of anatomical and functional structures of the anterior abdominal wall is necessary for good cosmetic result and prevention of recurrent ventral hernia. We presented three clinical examples of commonly used surgical procedures in children including anterior abdominal wall repair using biological material 'Permacol'.

Frequency and complications of inguinal hernia repair in giant omphalocele

PURPOSE

Giant omphalocele (GO) is a challenging problem owing to aberrant anatomy and complex comorbidities. Large inguinal hernias (IH) are known to occur in this population, but have not been well described in the literature. We sought to characterize rates and complications of IH in GO patients.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients with the diagnosis of GO from 2004 to 2012, with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Statistical significance was calculated using Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney test (p<0.05).

RESULTS

A total of 51 giant omphalocele patients were born during the 8-year study period, with IH diagnosed in 21 patients (41%). IH was not associated with gestational age, birth weight, or method of GO closure, but was significantly associated with male gender (p<0.0001). Incarceration occurred in 4 patients (19%). Recurrence was noted in 7 cases, with 6/7 recurrences following repair by high ligation of the sac alone. All recurrences were repaired with the Bassini repair. Postoperative complications were noted in 7 patients (33%) and included prolonged ileus following incarceration, testicular tethering, testicular atrophy, persistent hydrocele, and death following acute incarceration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests a high incidence of IH in GO patients. The prevalance of incarceration and recurrences in these patients support a role for inguinal herniorrhaphy via a Bassini repair prior to initial hospital discharge.

Novel exomphalos genetic mouse model: the importance of accurate phenotypic classification

BACKGROUND

Rodent models of abdominal wall defects (AWD) may provide insight into the pathophysiology of these conditions including gut dysfunction in gastroschisis, or pulmonary hypoplasia in exomphalos. Previously, a Scribble mutant mouse model (circletail) was reported to exhibit gastroschisis. We further characterise this AWD in Scribble knockout mice.

METHOD

Homozygous Scrib knockout mice were obtained from heterozygote matings. Fetuses were collected at E17.5-18.5 with intact amniotic membranes. Three mutants and two control fetuses were imaged by in amnio micro-MRI. Remaining fetuses were dissected, photographed and gut length/weight measured. Ileal specimens were stained for interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), imaged using confocal microscopy and ICC quantified.

RESULTS

127 fetuses were collected, 15 (12%) exhibited AWD. Microdissection revealed 3 mutants had characteristic exomphalos phenotype with membrane-covered gut/liver herniation into the umbilical cord. A further 12 exhibited extensive AWD, with eviscerated abdominal organs and thin covering membrane (intact or ruptured). Micro-MRI confirmed these phenotypes. Gut was shorter and heavier in AWD group compared to controls but morphology/number of ICC was not different.

DISCUSSION

The Scribble knockout fetus exhibits exomphalos (intact and ruptured), in contrast to the original published phenotype of gastroschisis. Detailed dissection of fetuses is essential ensuring accurate phenotyping and result reporting.

Gastroschisis with extracorporeal liver and stomach associated with sacrococcygeal teratoma and limb abnormalities

Gastroschisis is the herniation of abdominal viscera through a paramedian abdominal wall fusion defect without involvement of the umbilical cord. Evisceration usually contains intestinal loops and has no surrounding membrane. Rarely, herniation of other major viscera such as stomach and liver occurs, which makes the prognosis worse. Gastroschisis is usually not associated with sacrococcygeal teratoma. In the present report, a very rare case of gastroschisis associated with sacrococcygeal teratoma is described. The gastroschisis had complete evisceration of the stomach, bowel and extracorporeal liver. A large sacrococcygeal mass was located on the posteroinferior part of the trunk and gluteal region, and was completely external. The fetus also showed a malrotated lower limb and talipes equinovarus.

Antenatal diagnosis of bowel dilatation in gastroschisis is predictive of poor postnatal outcome

PURPOSE

Although gastroschisis infants usually have a good outcome, there remains a cohort of babies who fare poorly. We inquired whether the presence of bowel dilatation in utero is predictive of postnatal course in infants with gastroschisis.

METHODS

We compared the clinical course of infants who had bowel dilatation with those who did not. Bowel dilatation was defined as more than 20 mm in cross-sectional diameter on ultrasound at any gestational age. Outcome measures used were length of time of parenteral nutrition, death, and surgery for intestinal failure.

RESULTS

A review of 170 infants with gastroschisis identified 74 who had dilatation of more than 20 mm (43.5%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of intestinal atresia in those with bowel dilatation and those without (P = .07). Those with bowel dilatation spent a longer period on parenteral nutrition. There were significantly more deaths in the group with bowel dilatation (P = .01). There was no significant difference in the number of infants requiring surgery for intestinal failure between the 2 groups (P = .47).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that sonographically detected bowel dilatation more than 20 mm in utero in fetuses with gastroschisis may have value in predicting clinically significant adverse postnatal outcomes.

Genetic analysis of Hedgehog signaling in ventral body wall development and the onset of omphalocele formation

Background

An omphalocele is one of the major ventral body wall malformations and is characterized by abnormally herniated viscera from the body trunk. It has been frequently found to be associated with other structural malformations, such as genitourinary malformations and digit abnormalities. In spite of its clinical importance, the etiology of omphalocele formation is still controversial. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is one of the essential growth factor signaling pathways involved in the formation of the limbs and urogenital system. However, the relationship between Hh signaling and ventral body wall formation remains unclear.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To gain insight into the roles of Hh signaling in ventral body wall formation and its malformation, we analyzed phenotypes of mouse mutants of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), GLI-Kruppel family member 3 (Gli3) and Aristaless-like homeobox 4 (Alx4). Introduction of additional Alx4^Lst mutations into the Gli3^Xt/Xt background resulted in various degrees of severe omphalocele and pubic diastasis. In addition, loss of a single Shh allele restored the omphalocele and pubic symphysis of Gli3^Xt/+; Alx4^Lst/Lst embryos. We also observed ectopic Hh activity in the ventral body wall region of Gli3^Xt/Xt embryos. Moreover, tamoxifen-inducible gain-of-function experiments to induce ectopic Hh signaling revealed Hh signal dose-dependent formation of omphaloceles.

Conclusions/Significance

We suggest that one of the possible causes of omphalocele and pubic diastasis is ectopically-induced Hh signaling. To our knowledge, this would be the first demonstration of the involvement of Hh signaling in ventral body wall malformation and the genetic rescue of omphalocele phenotypes.

Gastroschisis: an update

Gastroschisis (GS) continues to increase in frequency, with several studies now reported an incidence of between 4 and 5 per 10,000 live births. The main risk factor would seem to be young maternal age, and it is in this group that the greatest increase has occurred. Whilst various geographical regions confer a higher risk, the impact of several other putative risk factors, including smoking and illicit drug use, may be less important than when first identified in early epidemiological studies. Over 90% of cases of GS will now be diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound, but its value in determining the need for early delivery remains unclear. There would appear no clear evidence for either routine early delivery or elective caesarean section for infants with antenatally diagnosed GS. Delivery at a centre with paediatric surgical facilities reduces the risk of subsequent morbidity and should represent the standard of care. The relative roles of primary closure, staged closure and ward reduction, with or without general anaesthesia, appear less clear with considerable variation between centres in both the use of these techniques and subsequent surgical outcomes. Survival rates continue to improve, with rates well in excess of 90% now routine. The limited long-term developmental data available would suggest that normal or near-normal outcomes may be expected although there remains a need for further studies.

The embryologic origin of ventral body wall defects

Ventral body wall defects include ectopia cordis, bladder exstrophy, and the abdominal wall malformations gastroschisis and omphalocele. The etiology of ectopia cordis, gastroschisis, and bladder exstrophy is not known, but they may be linked to abnormalities in the lateral body wall folds responsible for closing the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic portions of the ventral body wall. These folds form in the fourth week (postfertilization) of development as a combination of the parietal layer of lateral plate mesoderm and overlying ectoderm and must move ventrally to meet in the midline. There are differential rates of cell proliferation in the folds and asymmetries in their movement that may be involved in teratogenic effects of toxic factors. Also, the fusion process between the folds is complex, involving cell-to-cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell reorganization and all of these phenomena may be targets for disruption, leading to malformations. In this regard, closure of the ventral body wall is likened to neural tube closure and involves similar processes. It also encompasses a similar time frame during development, such that most neural tube and ventral body wall defects have their origins during the fourth week of development. Omphalocele is a separate entity whose etiology is known. This defect is attributed to a failure of gut loops to return to the body cavity after their normal physiological herniation into the umbilical cord from the 6th to 10th week of development. Thus, the origin of this defect is completely different from that of the ventral body wall malformations.

Rising incidence of gastroschisis and exomphalos in New Zealand

BACKGROUND

An apparent increase in the incidence of gastroschisis and exomphalos has been reported from several parts of the world. The exact mechanism of this trend is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the regional and national trends in the incidence of gastroschisis and exomphalos in New Zealand.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study involved collection of data from all 4 tertiary care pediatric surgical centers in New Zealand. The incidence was calculated per 10,000 live births. Data were analyzed to determine the regional and national trends. The statistical analysis was done using linear regression model and Poisson distribution.

RESULTS

The incidence of gastroschisis has increased from 2.96 per 10,000 live births to 5.16 per 10,000 live births between 1996 and 2004. During the same period, the incidence of exomphalos has increased from 0.69 per 10,000 live births to 3.27 per 10,000 live births. Gastroschisis was observed more in younger mothers, whereas exomphalos was associated with older mothers.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of gastroschisis and exomphalos is increasing in New Zealand, which is consistent with worldwide trends in showing the increasing incidence of anterior abdominal wall defects.

Exomphalos Defects : A Review of 15 Cases

BACKGROUND

The outcome after repair of exomphalos defects has improved significantly with refinements in surgical techniques, multidisciplinary management and monitoring of intra-abdominal pressures.

METHODS

A retrospective study of medical records of 15 cases with omphalocele was done.

RESULTS

Antenatal diagnosis was available in six cases. There were eight females and seven males with a mean birth weight of 2.2 kg. Nine babies had associated anomalies. There were nine major (defect size> 5 cm) and six minor defects. Immediate closure in neonatal period was carried out in 12 cases. Urinary bladder pressure (UBP) was measured to assess intra-abdominal pressure in cases where primary closure was difficult. Primary closure was omitted in the event of intravesical pressures exceeding 20 mm Hg (~ 25 cms of water). Primary surgical closure was possible in five (56%) major cases. Two cases were subjected to silo repair followed by delayed primary closure whereas the other two required a Goretex mesh closure. Three minor defects could be repaired primarily whereas the remaining three were managed conservatively and closed at age of 9 to 12 months. There were no significant anaesthetic complications. Elective postoperative ventilation was required in one baby. There were three deaths at ages five, nine and ten months due to unrelated causes.

CONCLUSION

Satisfactory outcome is possible in cases with exomphalos defects with intra-operative intravesical pressure assessment forming a convenient method for excluding abdominal compartment syndrome.

[Liver hernia. Prognosis and report of 11 cases]

OBJECTIVES

Exclusive hepatocele is defined as a hernia containing in majority the liver with possibly some intestinal loops. This study was undertaken to evaluate neonatal morbidity and mortality in this series of exclusive hepatoceles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed 11 cases of exclusive hepatoceles with delivery at the hospital Jeanne-de-Flandre in the CHRU of Lille, in France.

RESULTS

The mean gestational age of diagnosis was 14.5+/-3.4 weeks of gestation. Karyotype determination was performed in 100% of cases: it was abnormal in one case of 11. One termination of pregnancy was performed because of trisomy 13. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38+/-1.8 weeks of gestation. Cesarean deliveries were performed in nine cases. Morbidity was important with: one case of fetal growth retardation on total hepatocele, three cases of severe respiratory distress, two cases of severe digestive complications. The mean length of stay was 42.8 days. The mean length of parenteral feeding was 14.4 days. Postnatal mortality concerned one child, which died because of a severe respiratory distress due to pulmonary hypoplasia.

CONCLUSION

In this series, morbidity is thus important, making of exclusive hepatoceles a full entity among the omphaloceles. The multidisciplinary take care is more complex but conceivable.

Deficient Alk3-mediated BMP signaling causes prenatal omphalocele-like defect

BMP signaling plays important roles in many embryonic developmental processes. Alk3 is one of two BMP type I receptors that transduces BMP signal from the cell surface into cell. Conventional knockout of Alk3 resulted in early embryonic lethality around E7.5-E9.5. In this study, we have generated embryonic mesoderm-specific Alk3 conditional knockout by crossing Dermo1-Cre and floxed Alk3 mice. Abrogation of Alk3-mediated BMP signaling in this mouse resulted in severe defect of secondary ventral body wall formation, replicating the omphalocele phenotype in human. Our finding suggests that Alk3 plays an essential role in the formation of embryonic ventral abdominal wall, and abrogation of BMP signaling activity due to gene mutations in its signaling components could be one of the underlying causes of omphalocele at birth.

Progress over 32 years of a survivor of giant exomphalos and outcome of pregnancy

We report the progress of a female survivor of ruptured giant exomphalos over 32 years. Two-stage repair was performed at birth, resulting in a giant ventral hernia, which was repaired at 31 months. She developed gross benign ascites at 24 years, not previously described in association with congenital abdominal wall defects. This was associated with a misleading radiologic finding of a complex ovarian cyst and led to laparotomy. There were dense adhesions. Benign ascites and loculated pelvic fluid were drained, but the ovaries appeared healthy. A further laparotomy was performed for acute abdominal pain 2 years later. She subsequently had a successful pregnancy complicated by urinary retention. The abdomen expanded without difficulty, unlike the only other such case reported in the literature. A healthy baby girl was delivered by cesarean section at 37 weeks' gestation, which was necessary because of a footling breech presentation.

Manitoba Oculotrichoanal (MOTA) syndrome: report of eight new cases

The Manitoba Oculotrichoanal (MOTA) syndrome was initially described by Marles et al. [1992; Am J Med Genet 42: 793-799] in Aboriginal patients of the Island Lake region of Northern Manitoba. Characteristic findings in affected patients included unilateral upper eyelid coloboma or cryptophthalmus with ipsilateral aberrant anterior hairline pattern and anal anomalies. We describe here seven new patients of the same extended kindred of Cree/Ojibway ethnicity of the Island Lake region and an eighth patient of Caucasian Dutch parents with clinical findings consistent with the diagnosis of MOTA syndrome. Two of the patients have bilateral, instead of unilateral, abnormal anterior hairline patterns. Omphalocele, a feature previously not identified, is present in three of them. The most consistent features appear to be hypertelorism and a broad or notched tip of the nose. Due to the obvious clinical overlap with Fraser syndrome, FRAS1 gene was screened in two of the affected and no mutation was found [Slavotinek et al., submitted].

Intestinal transplantation for short bowel syndrome secondary to gastroschisis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Gastroschisis is the most frequent cause of pediatric intestinal transplantation. This study reviews our experience of intestinal transplantation secondary to gastroschisis to elucidate those factors affecting the outcome of children with short bowel syndrome.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for children who underwent intestinal transplantation for gastroschisis at the University of Miami between June 2003 and August 1994.

RESULTS

Thirty-two transplants were performed in 28 children with gastroschisis during the study period. Associated intestinal anomalies were present in 22 infants (atresia [n = 14], volvulus [n = 3], and/or ischemia [n = 16]). Spontaneous prenatal closure of gastroschisis, a rare anomaly associated with bowel atresia and ischemia because of a very small abdominal defect, was seen in 9 patients. Most of the patients had a complicated course and required multiple abdominal surgeries before transplant. Fifteen (53.6%) patients are currently alive at a median follow-up of 23.5 months. Short-term survival rate has significantly improved in recent years.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with complex gastroschisis and intestinal anomalies have a significant risk for progression to short bowel syndrome. Intestinal transplantation can be a lifesaving option and provides a satisfactory outcome for children with short bowel syndrome secondary to gastroschisis.

A new biocompatible material (Lyoplant) for the therapy of congenital abdominal wall defects: first experimental results in rats

Congenital abdominal wall defects are impressive and dramatic malformations. Common surgical therapy for omphalocele and gastroschisis is to place the herniated viscera back into the abdomen and to close the fascia. Small defects can be closed directly by surgical treatment. In large defects, resorbable and non-resorbable artificial materials are necessary to close the fascia. The aim of this study is to find out whether new biocompatible materials might be suitable for the treatment of such abdominal wall defects. A median laparotomy was performed in young Wistar rats with a body weight of 75-100 g. Then a full thickness defect was created by excising a 1.5 x 2.5 cm segment including fascia, muscles and peritoneum. These defects were then closed by implantation of a PTFE mesh (Dual-Mesh, n = 6), a PPP mesh (Prolene, n = 6) or a new biocompatible mesh (NBM; Lyoplant, n = 6). Each rat was examined daily after treatment. Bodyweight was determined and the possible development of a hernia was monitored. After 6 weeks, the abdomen was opened again. Adhesions to the intestine were measured and the abdominal wall was removed for histological and tensiometric examination. (1) Compared to the untreated controls, all animals showed physiologic growth and normal bodyweight curve. (2) Only in one rat (Prolene) did an abdominal hernia develop. (3) In contrast to PTFE and PPP mesh, NBM showed only minimal adhesion to the intestine. (4) Tensiometry revealed high stability for non-resorbable materials. However, the characteristics of NBM were very similar to untreated abdominal wall. Our initial results indicate that biocompatible materials can also be used for the therapy of congenital abdominal wall defects.

Congenital anomalies are commonly associated with exomphalos minor

AIM

The objective of this study is to define the incidence of chromosomal and congenital anomalies in neonates with exomphalos major and minor.

BACKGROUND

Incidence of major congenital anomalies varies from 35% to 81% in exomphalos. It is unclear whether these malformations are more common with exomphalos major.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The case notes of 82 antenatal diagnoses of exomphalos, made between January 1998 and December 2004, were retrospectively reviewed. Exomphalos major was defined as a defect 5 cm or greater and exomphalos minor a defect less than 5 cm in diameter.

RESULTS

There were 72 live births, 6 still births, and 4 terminations of pregnancy. There was no statistical significance between exomphalos major and minor regarding mode of delivery, gestational age at birth, birth weight, major cardiac anomalies (21% vs 23%), and renal and external genitalia abnormalities (11% vs 18%). Chromosomal anomalies, syndromes, and dysmorphism were common in exomphalos minor 17 (39%, P = .0001). Congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract (14% vs 27%), central nervous system (0 vs 21%), and Wilms' tumor (0 vs 5%) occurred commonly in exomphalos minor. Limb abnormalities (25% vs 5%), ectopia cordis (11% vs 0), and bladder exstrophy (7% vs 0) occurred predominantly in exomphalos major. Mean follow-up was 34 months. Three neonates with exomphalos major died. Overall mortality was 4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Chromosomal anomalies and syndromes occur more commonly in exomphalos minor. Exomphalos minor and major seem to have a predilection for associated anomalies of specific organ systems. This predisposition may help in counseling parents, planning investigations, and organization of multidisciplinary management strategy.

Clinical analysis of congenital abdominal wall defects - omphalocele and gastroschisis

Introduction. This is a retrospective analysis of therapeutic approaches and treatment outcomes of congenital abdominal wall defects (omphalocele and gastroschisis) in a five year period. The aim of this study was to identify factors which can affect the prognosis of future therapeutic procedures. Material and methods. We evaluated 13 children, 7 with omphalocele (2 female/5 male; mean birth weight of 2862 g; mean gestational age of 37 weeks), and 6 patients with gastroschisis (2 female/4 male; mean birth weight of 2640 g; mean gestational age of 36/2 weeks). All patients were treated at the Clinic of Pediatric Surgeiyfrom 1999 to 2003. Results. In this study, thirteen cases of congenital abdominal wall defects (omphalocele and gastroschisis) were retrospectively investigated. All patients underwent prenatal ultrasound. Omphalocele was prenatally detected in 42.8% of fetuses, and gastroschisis in 16.7%. Coexisting anomalies were present in 57.1% of patients with omphalocele and in 16.7% of newborns with gastroschisis. Three patients with omphalocele were treated operatively, and four only conservatively. The abdominal wall of patients with gastroschisis was primarily closed in three patients. Two patients required a staged abdominal wall closure. One patient with gastroschisis and intestinal atresia underwent primary closure after partial intestinal resection and enterostomy. Based on these responses, a management protocol (algorithm) was recommended. The most common postoperative complication, in 7 cases of omphalocele, was mechanical ileus (n=l), whereas among patients with gastroschisis the commonest were mechanical ileus (n=l) and intestinal perforation (n=1). The mortality of patients with omphalocele was 52% and with gastroschisis 66.7%. Conclusion. A strategy designed to optimize antenatal and neonatal factors is expected to increase the survival rate of patients with abdominal wall defects. .

ROCK-I regulates closure of the eyelids and ventral body wall by inducing assembly of actomyosin bundles

Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) I mediates signaling from Rho to the actin cytoskeleton. To investigate the in vivo functions of ROCK-I, we generated ROCK-I–deficient mice. Loss of ROCK-I resulted in failure of eyelid closure and closure of the ventral body wall, which gave rise to the eyes open at birth and omphalocele phenotypes in neonates. Most ROCK-I^−/− mice died soon after birth as a result of cannibalization of the omphalocele by the mother. Actin cables that encircle the eye in the epithelial cells of the eyelid were disorganized and accumulation of filamentous actin at the umbilical ring was impaired, with loss of phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (MLC) at both sites, in ROCK-I^−/− embryos. Stress fiber formation and MLC phosphorylation induced by EGF were also attenuated in primary keratinocytes from ROCK-I^−/− mice. These results suggest that ROCK-I regulates closure of the eyelids and ventral body wall through organization of actomyosin bundles.

Perinatal management of gastroschisis: analysis of a newly established clinical pathway

PURPOSE

The authors developed a clinical pathway for optimal management after antenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis. This is the outcomes analysis of our first 30 consecutive patients.

METHOD

Antenatal counseling was provided for all families with in-utero diagnosis of gastroschisis. Bowel dilatation, thickness, motility, amniotic fluid volume, and fetal development were followed by ultrasonography every 4 weeks. Babies were delivered by cesarean section between 36 and 38 weeks gestation if the lungs were mature or earlier for bowel complications. Gastroschisis repair was scheduled 90 minutes after birth. Primary repair was attempted in all through the abdominal wall defect without an additional incision, resulting in an umbilicus with no abdominal scar.

RESULTS

Primary repair was achieved in 83%. Babies needed assisted ventilation for 3 days, reached full feeds by 19 days, and were discharged by 24 days (all medians). There were 3 (10%) deaths, all after staged repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Our new protocol of both scheduled elective cesarean section and early gastroschisis repair resulted in a higher proportion of primary repair, shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, earlier full feeds, and shorter length of stay. There was no increase in mortality or morbidity. The primary-repair babies had no mortality and had excellent cosmesis.

Use of a silastic silo for closure of the abdominal wall in a pediatric patient receiving a cadaveric split liver

Presented is the successful management of a difficult abdominal wall closure after pediatric liver transplantation. A 5-week-old boy with biliary atresia underwent urgent cadaveric split liver transplantation. The left lateral segment of an adult donor was utilized. Postoperatively, abdominal skin and fascia could not be closed. A SILASTIC (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) silo was applied, and complete closure was possible 6 days later.

Preformed silos in the management of gastroschisis: new progress with an old idea

Outcomes for infants with gastroschisis have paralleled advances made in neonatal intensive care and the use of parenteral nutrition. Mortality rates approaching 100% a half century ago are now closer to 2% to 8%. Further reduction in morbidity has been the focus of many studies during the past decade. Efforts have been made to identify factors associated with the development of gastroschisis and to evaluate the mode, timing, and location of delivery on the outcome of these infants. The effect of the mode and timing of definitive surgical repair has received attention by more recent reports of newer approaches, including the use of a preformed silo to provide coverage for the exposed viscera and allow a gradual reduction into the abdominal cavity.