Abstract
A retrospective analysis of a series of 63 cases of gastroschisis managed over an 11-year period distinguished a single statistically significant prognostic factor. There were 6 (9.5%) deaths, of which 4 occurred in the 8 infants with small-bowel atresia/stenosis (P < 0.005, Fisher's exact test). One died at 48 h and the remaining 3 of liver disease related to total parenteral nutrition. Of the 4 survivors, 1 developed a late biliary stricture necessitating hepaticoenterostomy but is alive and well aged 4 years. The remaining 3, following initially prolonged hospitalisations and multiple operations, are alive and well after 2, 4 and 7 years. In 3 patients the atresi1 was not detected at the primary operation. The small number of cases of gastroschisisassociated small-bowel atresia seen in any one unit may conceal the importance of the problem, and limits experience in the approach to management.
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Cusick, E., Spicer, R.D. & Beck, J.M. Small-bowel continuity: A crucial factor in determining survival in gastroschisis. Pediatr Surg Int 12, 34–37 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01194799
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01194799