[Preliminary results of a multidisciplinary approach to gastroschisis]

In gastroschisis, premature birth may avoid the development of intestinal peel and favour the primary closure. We present the preliminary results obtained after following a multidisciplinary approach to gastroschisis. After prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, preterm caesarean delivery at 34-35 weeks of gestation is programmed.

Prospective design of a study, where we included all prenatal diagnosed gastrosquisis neonates, from July 2007 to January 2012.

We followed 9 infants (3 male). Average weight at birth: 1,927 gr. (+/- 370). Primary closure was successfully accomplished in the first 3 hours of life all cases. We found two cases of slight peel. We found no associated intestinal malformations, except for one small bowel stenosis. No significant neonatal distress respiratory syndrome developed. Mean parenteral nutrition time was 13.9 days (+/- 3.8). 4 neonates developed central line associated infection. No surgical site infection developed. Enteral nutrition was started at day 8th (+/- 2.8). Enteral requirements were fulfilled at day 15th (+/- 3.6). Mean hospital stay was 31 days (+/- 10). Mean follow-up was 30 months. 4 cases developed a small (< 5 mm) umbilical hernia

Programming premature cesarean section delivery at 34 weeks of gestation was beneficial to the neonates with gastroschisis, yet it avoided peel development, and rendered primary closure without serious difficulties possible. This diminishes hypoperistalsis time and allows rapid instauration of enteral feeding, so hospital stays may be shorter.