Gastroschisis: 13 years' experience at RCH Melbourne

To review recent experience of gastroschisis at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.

Retrospective review of admissions over a 13 year period, June 1980-June 1993 inclusive, including an analysis of those factors influencing mortality, morbidity and complications.

There were 49 infants, of whom two died (4%), both having an associated bowel atresia. Mode of delivery, age at operative repair, birthweight centile and silo repair had no significant effect on the duration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or hospital stay. The presence of short gut and/or gut resection and localized bowel narrowing or bowel atresia resulted in a significant increase in the duration of TPN and hospital stay. The presence of a central venous line was a highly significant risk factor for the development of systemic sepsis.

Currently gastroschisis has a good outlook with a low mortality. Infants with short gut/resection and bowel atresia have a long duration of TPN and hospitalization, with significant morbidity and complications.