Routine use of a SILASTIC spring-loaded silo for infants with gastroschisis: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Background

Retrospective studies have suggested that routine use of a preformed silo for infants with gastroschisis may be associated with improved outcomes. We performed a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial to test this hypothesis.

Methods

Eligible infants were randomized to (1) routine bedside placement of a preformed Silastic spring-loaded silo, with gradual reduction and elective abdominal wall closure, or (2) primary closure.

Results

There were 27 infants in each group. There was no significant difference between groups with respect to age, weight, sex, Apgar scores, prenatal diagnosis, or mode of delivery. The total number of days on the ventilator was lower in the spring-loaded silo group, although it did not reach statistical significance (3.2 vs 5.3, P = .07). There was no significant difference between groups with respect to length of time on total parenteral nutrition, length of stay, or incidence of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Conclusion

Routine use of a preformed silo was associated with similar outcomes to primary closure for infants with gastroschisis but with a strong trend toward fewer days on the ventilator. Use of a preformed silo has the advantage of permitting definitive abdominal wall closure in a more elective setting.     

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.     

The effect of initial operative repair on the recovery of intestinal function in gastroschisis

Recent reports concerning the treatment of gastroschisis suggest that primary closure results in more rapid return of gastrointestinal function, a shortened hospitalization, diminished perinatal complications, and improved long-term survival. A 4-year retrospective review of infants treated for gastroschisis at the University of Florida yielded 30 infants requiring repair of this abdominal wall defect. The series included 19 males and 11 females, and the average abdominal wall defect measured 4 cm in its greatest dimension. Nine infants (mean weight, 2,275 gm) were repaired using a staged closure using a silastic (six) or cutaneous (three) silo. Complete fascial closure was accomplished in an average of 8 days in the silastic group and 15 days in the infants with skin flaps. Mean age at start of enteral feeds was 23 days, with complete oral feedings at 43 days. Twenty-one infants (mean weight, 2,127 gm) underwent primary fascial closure. Three deaths occurred in the perioperative period: one from acute renal failure and two from sepsis secondary to a segment of necrotic intestine. An additional infant developed postoperative necrotizing entercolitis but recovered. Two infants in this group also had jejuno-ileal atresia requiring extensive small bowel resection. In the remaining 15 infants, oral alimentation was initiated for an average of 23 days, with full oral alimentation at 46 days. The data suggest that the recovery of the gastrointestinal system, adequate enough to support total oral alimentation, is unrelated to the initial surgical procedure chosen to obtain fascial closure in the newborn with gastroschisis. In addition, vigorous attempts at primary fascial closure may jeopardize intestinal viability, diminish ventilatory function, and result in unnecessary morbidity and mortality.     

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

To determine whether intragastric pressure (IGP) and central venous pressure (CVP) would reliably predict successful primary closure of congenital abdominal wall defects (omphalocele/gastroschisis) in newborn infants, we developed the following prospective intraoperative management protocol. Following a temporary trial of fascial closure, infants who had an IGP less than 20 mm Hg or an increase in CVP of less than 4 mm Hg were primarily closed. If IGP was greater than 20 mm Hg or if CVP increased by more than 4 mm Hg, the temporary closure of the abdomen was reopened and a prosthetic silo was placed. Ten infants who were less than 24 hours old and averaged 2.7 kg (range, 1.4 to 4.2 kg) and 37-weeks gestation (range, 32 to 41 weeks) were studied. Eight infants met criteria for primary closure. Their IGP averaged 14 +/- 4 mm Hg (+/- SD) (range, 8 to 19 mm Hg), and their increase in CVP averaged 1 +/- 2 mm Hg (range, -2 to 3 mm Hg). In the two infants who required staged repair, IGP averaged 25 +/- 1 mm Hg (+/- SD) (range, 24 to 25 mm Hg), and the increase in CVP averaged 7 +/- 1 mm Hg (range, 6 to 8 mm Hg). All patients were anesthetized with fentanyl (12.5 micrograms/kg) and paralyzed with metocurine (0.3 mg/kg) intraoperatively. There were no postoperative complications in either group of patients related to increased intraabdominal pressure, and all patients were extubated within 48 hours of the initial surgery. We conclude that the intraoperative measurement of changes in IGP and CVP can serve as a guide to the operative management of congenital abdominal wall defects and can reliably predict successful outcome following repair.     

Temporary closure of open abdominal wounds by the modified sandwich-vacuum pack technique

BACKGROUND: A 5-year experience with the modified sandwich-vacuum pack technique, using an opened 3-litre urological irrigation bag and continuous high-pressure suction, for temporary abdominal wall closure is presented. METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent temporary abdominal wall closure using this method from January 1996 to December 2000 were examined. RESULTS: The modified sandwich-vacuum pack was used 139 times in 55 patients. Forty patients sustained penetrating trauma while 15 patients sustained blunt trauma. The mean Injury Severity Score was 19 (range 9-34). Intra-abdominal sepsis (51 per cent) was the commonest indication, followed by visceral oedema (18 per cent), abdominal compartment syndrome (16 per cent), intra-abdominal packing (11 per cent) and abdominal wall defects (4 per cent). The overall mortality rate was 45 per cent. Three patients (5 per cent) developed enterocutaneous fistula. Of the 30 survivors, 16 patients underwent primary fascial closure. CONCLUSION: The modified sandwich-vacuum pack technique of temporary abdominal wall closure is easy and rapid, cost effective and provides an effective means of containing abdominal wall contents.     

Staged management of giant abdominal wall defects: acute and long-term results

INTRODUCTION: Shock resuscitation leads to visceral edema often precluding abdominal wall closure. We have developed a staged approach encompassing acute management through definitive abdominal wall reconstruction. The purpose of this report is to analyze our experience with this technique applied to the treatment of patients with open abdomen and giant abdominal wall defects. METHODS: Our management scheme for giant abdominal wall defects consists of 3 stages: stage I, absorbable mesh insertion for temporary closure (if edema quickly resolves within 3-5 days, the mesh is gradually pleated, allowing delayed fascial closure); stage II, absorbable mesh removal in patients without edema resolution (2-3 weeks after insertion to allow for granulation and fixation of viscera) and formation of the planned ventral hernia with either split thickness skin graft or full thickness skin closure over the viscera; and stage III, definitive reconstruction after 6-12 months (allowing for inflammation and dense adhesion resolution) by using the modified components separation technique. Consecutive patients from 1993 to 2001 at a single institution were evaluated. Outcomes were analyzed by management stage, with emphasis on wound related morbidity and mortality, and fistula and recurrent hernia rates. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy four patients (35 with sepsis, 239 with hemorrhagic shock) were managed. There were 212 males (77%), and mean age was 37 (range, 12-88). The average size of the defects was 20 x 30 cm. In the stage I group, 108 died (92% of all deaths) because of shock. The remaining 166 had temporary closure with polyglactin 910 woven absorbable mesh. As visceral edema resolved, bedside pleating of the absorbable mesh allowed delayed fascial closure in 37 patients (22%). In the stage II group, 9 died (8% of all deaths) from multiple organ failure associated with their underlying disease process, and 96% of the remaining 120 had split-thickness skin graft placed over the viscera. No wound related mortality occurred. There were a total of 14 fistulae (5% of total, 8% of survivors). In the stage III group, to date, 73 of the 120 have had definitive abdominal wall reconstruction using the modified components separation technique. There were no deaths. Mean follow-up was 24 months, (range 2-60). Recurrent hernias developed in 4 of these patients (5%). CONCLUSIONS: The staged management of patients with giant abdominal wall defects without the use of permanent mesh results in a safe and consistent approach for both initial and definitive management with low morbidity and no technique-related mortality. Absorbable mesh provides effective temporary abdominal wall defect coverage with a low fistula rate. Because of the low recurrent hernia rate and avoidance of permanent mesh, the components separation technique is the procedure of choice for definitive abdominal wall reconstruction.     

External silo reduction of the unruptured giant omphalocele

Construction of an external silo dressing over the intact omphalocele membrane allows complete reduction of the giant omphalocele with enlargement of the abdominal cavity before surgical intervention, so that primary closure of the abdominal wall can be achieved. Three infants with giant omphalocele containing a central liver were successfully managed by this technique avoiding the complications associated with operative silo placement or simple membrane painting.     

Differences in healing of skin wounds caused by burn and freeze injuries.

Twenty-eight cases of gastroschisis have been treated over a five-year period. Twenty-two silos were placed and 19 infants had uncomplicated silo closure. Enlargement of the abdominal wall defect to allow optimum reduction of the edematous bowel was essential to closure in less than a week. Rapid removal of the prosthesis and strict adherence to aseptic technique prevented septic complications. Inability to return the bowel to the abdominal cavity within five to six days mandated re-exploration to determine the cause for failure to reduce the silo. Accordingly, three infants were re-explored. Two patients had unrecognized intestinal lesions and a third infant, whose defect had not been enlarged, had infarction of the midgut. Six infants underwent primary closure; two with preinatal evisceration and four who had concomminant cutaneous enterostomies performed for intestinal atresia. Intestinal atresia or stenosis occurred in 25% of these infants. Postoperative management was facilitated by insertion of a gastrostomy tube, early peripheral venous nutrition and later insertion of a central venous catheter for nutrition. The one postoperative death (3.5% mortality rate) resulted from failure to follow the principles of silo management as outlined in this report.     

Reappraisal of skin flap closure for neonatal gastroschisis.

During the past 11 years, 18 infants with gastroschisis abdominal wall defects have undergone surgical repair at the UCLA Hospital. Sixteen infants had skin flap closure in infancy. A gastrostomy was performed on all infants, and peripheral intravenous hyperalimentation was used in 14 of the 18 infants. Sixteen of the 18 infants (89%) lived more than one year after surgical repair. Of these, 12 have undergone second-stage closure of the ventral hernia. Operative repair was greatly facilitated by forceful stretching of the abdominal musculature and milking of the bowel contents proximally into the stomach and distally out through the anus. The low morbidity and mortality of gastroschisis repair by primary skin closure, supplemented by intravensou hyperalimentation with late secondary ventral hernia repair, appear to justify continued use of this technique. Prosthetic materials probably should be reserved for reconstructing more complex abdominal wall defects.     

Use of Sterile Adhesive Film and Polypropylene Mesh in the Construction of a Temporary Silo in the Treatment of Omphalocele

When a primary closure is not feasible, a synthetic material must be used in patients with congenital abdominal wall defects. Sterile adhesive film (drape) is reinforced with polypropylene mesh, and then it is used as a prosthesis for constructing a temporary silo. The drape surface is applied to the herniated viscera, which provides a smooth surface that does not adhere to the bowel loops. The adhesive film (drape) is a sterile, impermeable, transparent, and flexible material, which is readily available in all operating rooms. When combined with polypropylene mesh, an effective prosthesis can be created for the staged surgical treatment of congenital abdominal defects such as omphalocele and gastroschisis.Presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Austrian Society of Surgery, May 30–June 1, 2002, Vienna, Austria     

Serial abdominal closure technique (the "SAC" procedure): a novel method for delayed closure of the abdominal wall

Abdominal compartment syndrome may occur after any elective or emergent abdominal operations that are complicated by postoperative hemorrhage or in the trauma patient who has massive fluid replacement for intra-abdominal bleeding. Once the abdomen is decompressed the type of closure varies as much as the surgeon performing the procedure. We have devised a simple, reproducible, inexpensive, and safe method to close the abdomen at the bedside. Serial abdominal closure (SAC) was performed on three patients 45, 54, and 14 years of age who had developed abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to an upper gastrointestinal bleed requiring massive transfusion, a tear of the superior mesenteric vein, and a grade 4 liver laceration respectively, all necessitating abdominal decompression. All three patients had their abdominal wounds closed at the bedside over the course of several days with our SAC technique. Subsequent postoperative course was uneventful and the abdominal wall was free of defects at one-year follow-up. SAC is an efficient, inexpensive, and easily reproducible method of managing the open abdomen. The use of SAC prevented abdominal closure-related complications such as enteric fistula and hernia formation in our three patients.     

An individualized approach to the management of gastroschisis

A 93% survival rate was achieved in 80 neonates treated for gastroschisis between 1979 and 1986. Uncomplicated gastroschisis occurred in 70 infants (88%); 51% underwent staged silo reduction and 49% had primary fascial closure. Gastroschisis associated with intestinal atresia or volvulus was present in 10 neonates (12%), half of whom had a residual jejunoileum between 10 and 55 cm. Major postoperative complications included gastrointestinal problems (infarction, obstruction, and prolonged dysfunction), wound infection, and catheter-associated difficulties (sepsis, infiltration, and malposition). Three of the six deaths were related to associated conditions (extreme prematurity, trisomy 13, and multiple anomalies) and three were caused by intraoperative hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and extensive short-bowel syndrome. No statistical difference in morbidity, mortality, and length of hospitalization was demonstrated between infants treated by silo reduction and primary closure. Safe management of gastroschisis should include an individualized assessment of visceroabdominal disproportion and degree of intraabdominal tension. Vigilant expectation of potentially life-threatening complications is required to decrease postoperative morbidity, irrespective of the technique of abdominal wall closure.     

Selective repair of neonatal gastroschisis based on degree of visceroabdominal disproportion.

Based on 14 years' experience with the surgical repair of gastroschisis abdominal wall defects in 32 infants at the UCLA Hospital, certain aspects of care evolved which have served to reduce the overall long-term mortality to 6.2%. The severity of gastroschisis defects appears to be related to the length of time the eviscerated intestine has been exposed to amniotic fluid, and the degree of vascular obstruction to the viscera. In contrast to reports by previous authors recommending a specific operative technique for all infants with this malformation, we believe that choice of the optimal surgical repair depends on the degree of disproportion between the size of the eviscerated intestine and the size of the abdominal cavity. Three of the 32 patients with minimal disproportion underwent primary skin and muscle closure followed by early recovery. Twenty-seven who had primary skin flap closure later underwent secondary ventral hernia repair within six to 12 months. Two of the 32 infants had severe viscerobadominal disproportion and required temporary prosthesis coverage in addition to extensive skin flaps during the primary repair. The low morbidity and mortality following gastroschisis repair are apparently related to these factors: avoiding undue compression of the viscera; early coverage of the contaminated viscera with skin or muscle to minimize infection; careful supportive perioperative management to maintain body heat and provide adequate fluid repletion; and the infusion of intravenous hyperalimentation solutions during the lengthy period of post-operative ileus. Prosthetic materials should be reserved for more complex abdominal wall reconstruction in infants who have severe visceroabdominal disproportion.     

Simplified treatment of large congenital ventral wall defects.

A preformed silicone polymer silo has been used in eleven infants with omphalocele and gastroschisis. This prosthesis has significant advantages over other forms of silo construction. Among these advantages are: (1) easy and rapid primary application; (2) a totally nonreactive and closed system which prevents peritoneum fluid loss and bacterial contamination; (3) a uniform constant stretching force applied to the abdominal wall which promotes expansion of the peritoneal cavity; and (4) the transparent material of the silo which permits constant evaluation of the contained viscera. These factors all contribute to a smoother operative and postoperative course than that which occurs with skin closure or the self-sutured prosthetic silos.     

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.     

Management of a giant omphalocele with an external skin closure system

Background/Purpose

The management of neonates with giant omphalocele remains challenging and multiple strategies have been described. We present the case of a 34-week-old neonate with isolated giant omphalocele managed with an external surgical skin closure system as a component of a staged closure strategy.

Case Presentation

An Inuit boy of 34 weeks gestation was born by urgent Caesarean delivery at an affiliated obstetrical hospital with a giant ruptured omphalocele and loss of abdominal domain. He was transferred to our institution and a silastic silo was fashioned and placed in the operating room. He returned to the operating room several times and was treated by placement of a combined Gore-Tex (WL Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz)/silastic inlay mesh. An eschar formed over this temporary closure, and we elected to place a dynamic skin closure device to continue gradual bedside reduction. The initial abdominal wall defect was 8.5 cm in transverse diameter and was reduced to 4.5 cm over 3 weeks. Complete closure was subsequently achieved without the need for skin grafting.

Discussion

The use of a dynamic reduction skin closure device has not been documented previously in the pediatric population or in the context of a congenital defect. We describe the use of an external surgical skin closure device in the context of the staged closure of a giant neonatal omphalocele and postulate that such a device may prove useful in the treatment of other congenital tissue defects.     

Salvaging the severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia patient: is a silo the solution?

Background

Infants with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have a high morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that placement of an abdominal wall silo and staged abdominal wall closure may reduce problems associated with decreased abdominal domain in CDH.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review and identified 7 CDH patients requiring ECMO who had a silastic abdominal wall silo between 2003 and 2006. Variables analyzed included survival, ECMO duration, duration of silo, time to discharge, and long-term outcome.

Results

Predicted mean survival for the entire cohort using the published CDH Study Group equation was 47% (range, 9%-86%). All 7 patients (100%) survived. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration averaged 15 days (range, 5-19 days). Four of the patients (58%) were repaired with a silo on ECMO, and 3 (42%) had their repair after ECMO. The abdominal wall defect was closed at a mean of 21 days (range, 4-41 days). Hospital stay after silo placement averaged 54 days (range, 20-170 days) with no infections or wound complications.

Conclusions

Abdominal wall silo placement in infants with CDH requiring ECMO appears to be an effective strategy for decreased abdominal domain. Further studies are warranted to determine the efficacy of such a strategy for these high-risk CDH patients.     

The use of prosthetics in abdominal wall reconstruction

Large ventral or incisional hernias are often difficult to manage. Most commonly patients are referred to reconstructive surgeons after multiple failed attempts of hernia repair. The use of prosthetic and bioprosthetic materials have aided greatly in the management of complex abdominal wall defects. A full understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of specific prosthetic materials available, and the associated complications of use, remains elusive, however. This article provides information concerning the applications of appropriate prosthetic material for temporary or permanent closure of difficult abdominal wall defects.     

Congenital abdominal wall defects: gastroschisis and omphalocele

From this recent review of the literature and a personal experience with 125 cases of abdominal wall defects over the last nine years, the following conclusions have been reached regarding current concepts of treatment. Early management is keyed to the prevention of complications related to hypothermia, hypovolemia, aspiration and infection. Gastric decompression, transportation in a plastic bowel bag, vigorous fluid resuscitation and institution of broad spectrum antibiotics will usually reduce the risk related to these preoperative problems. Considering the fact that synthetic materials are associated with an increased incidence of infection, morbidity and mortality related to sepsis, we believe that primary abdominal wall repair is the procedure of choice when feasible. Manual stretching of abdominal wall facilitates this maneuver. In cases of visceral abdominal disproportion, however, attempting to accomplish “too tight” a closure is probably a poor decision. In these instances, one should reduce as much of the viscera as possible without compromising the patient and at this point, a Silastic or teflon prosthesis can be applied. Reduction can be completed in a few days so that the prosthetic material can be removed prior to an infection and a fascial repair accomplished. Gastrostomy tubes are not routinely needed in the uncomplicated patient with gastroschisis. However, gastrostomy has proven an extremely useful adjunct in cases of gastroschisis complicated by bowel atresia, perforation and enterocutaneous fistula. While total parenteral nutrition (TPN) offers complete nutrition for the patient, septic, metabolic and mechanical problems preclude its routine use in the uncomplicated case. For infants with primary repair or prompt silo reduction, peripheral parenteral nutrition with the addition of lipids for relatively short term nutrition support (e.g., 25–30 days) is advisable to avoid the potential complications of TPN. In complicated cases, (e.g., atresia, perforation, enterocutaneous fistula) where prolonged intestinal dysfunction is anticipated or in those instances where venous access becomes a significant problem, TPN should be instituted. In these latter cases, the caloric expenditure and demand are in excess of that in the usual uncomplicated situation and TPN is a better source of calories over a long-term course (>30 days). The elective routine use of ventilators to ensure a primary closure in every instance seems unwarranted. Short term ventilator support, however, has been a welcomed adjunct to postoperative care, and certainly has improved the outlook for these infants. Although the current survival rate for gastroschisis has improved dramatically to greater than 90%, even some of the deaths (of the 10%) are preventable. Most infants with gastroschisis should survive and have normal growth and development and life expectancy.In cases of omphalocele with an intact sac, the pediatric surgeon has a number of options available in the therapeutic armamentarium. Nonoperative therapy is appropriate in patients with severe cardiac anomalies and chromosomal syndromes (e.g. trisomy syndromes) who are not expected to survive. In addition, this method of treatment is useful in selected patients whose survival is anticipated but who have other serious complications that may be life threatening—such as the premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome or the patient with a small epigastric omphalocele in heart failure due to correctable intracardiac defects. For the vast majority of infants with small or moderate sized omphaloceles, resection of the sac, and primary abdominal wall closure is feasible and is the operative procedure of choice. Careful assessment of these patients for the presence of associated congenital anomalies is essential and a thorough system review is required in the early neonatal period (in some instances prior to surgical therapy). In patients with a large defect, partial reduction of the viscera and application of a prosthetic silo has been associated with reasonably good results, especially if the reduction of the viscera progresses promptly and the Silastic sheeting is removed relatively early. We have employed dacron reinforced Silastic as the prosthesis (as advocated by Allen and Wrenn)⁴ since this method is somewhat simpler than Schuster's technique¹⁰³ and has proven to be a successful method of management.^{40, 51, 52, 63, 74, 92} Close attention to detail in construction of the silo, use of nonabsorbable sutures in its application, and antibiotic ointment at the interface of the Silastic prosthesis and the skin, has reduced both the rate of sac separation and infection in these cases. In instances when infection occurs, the sac should be removed and topical therapy, biologic dressing (amnion) or Opsite should be applied. Most patients with omphalocele who have no other anomalies should survive. Survival in the remaining patients with multiple congenital anomalies, chromosomal defects and special syndromes is somewhat dependent upon the natural history of these other conditions. Long term follow-up of these patients is essential.In the 1980s, the pediatric surgeon has a variety of options in the management of infants and children with congenital abdominal wall defects. Proper surgical therapy is based on a careful selection of that type of treatment best suited for the patient.     

Ventral hernia in the treatment of omphalocele and gastroschisis.

Twenty-three patients with gastroschisis or omphalocele undergoing delayed ventral herniorrhaphy were reviewed. The ventral defects resulted from elective skin flap coverage in 15 patients, prosthetic silo failure in five, and nonoperative management using escharotic agents in three. Herniorrhaphy was performed at 2 months to 15 years of age. Fascial closure was achieved in a single procedure in 15 patients (65%) and with multiple operations involving prosthetic material in five patients (22%). Three patients (13%) had prosthetic material left in their defects without sequelae. There was no operative mortality from interval herniorrhaphy, and complications were minor. We conclude that conversion of a gastroschisis or an omphalocele to a ventral hernia is strategically useful in an infant with a giant defect, prosthetic silo failure, or when associated anomalies preclude early definitive surgery.