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Late follow-up in patients with gastroschisis : Gastroesophageal reflux is common

G Fasching1, A Huber, E Uray

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Graz Medical School, Auenbruggerplatz 34, A-8036, Graz, Austria.

Pediatric Surgery International
|September 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Most infants with gastroschisis survive surgery. Long-term follow-up revealed that while most children develop normally, some experience gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and esophageal motility issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neonatal Care
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect requiring surgical intervention.
  • Long-term outcomes and potential complications in surviving neonates are crucial for comprehensive care.
  • A 16-year treatment period at a single pediatric surgery center provided a cohort for outcome assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term outcomes of neonates treated for gastroschisis.
  • To identify the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and esophageal motility disorders post-surgery.
  • To assess overall physical development and cosmetic results in survivors.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 60 neonates treated for gastroschisis over 16 years.
  • Follow-up included questionnaires, medical examinations, and diagnostic tests for a subset of patients.
  • Diagnostic tests comprised 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring, upper gastrointestinal series, and manometric studies.

Main Results:

  • A survival rate of 90% (54 out of 60 neonates) was achieved.
  • Of 31 patients attending follow-up, 26 reported minor abdominal issues potentially linked to GER.
  • Pathological GER was confirmed in 7 of 15 patients, and esophageal motility disorders were found in 6 patients.

Conclusions:

  • Gastroschisis treatment demonstrates high survival rates with generally normal physical development.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal motility dysfunction are potential long-term complications requiring monitoring.
  • While cosmetic concerns like scarring are minimal, functional gastrointestinal issues warrant further investigation and management.

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