The Outcome of Closing Gastroschisis: Two Case Reports and Literature Review

Introduction

Gastroschisis is a relatively common neonatal surgical condition occurring in approximately 2–4. 9 of 10 000 live births [4]. Closing gastroschisis, where there is progressive and often complete closure of the abdominal wall defect in utero, has been reported only 33 times so far in the literature and has a mortality rate of 61%. The cardinal features of closing gastroschisis include a decreasing size of the extra-abdominal bowel herniation on serial ultrasound scans, often associated with intra-abdominal bowel dilatation [6]. We describe the antenatal findings and postnatal follow-up in the following report, highlighting the pathology in the postnatal period and the antenatal ultrasound scan pictures that show the progression of this rare phenomenon. The risk of short bowel syndrome and its complications are higher in these children, largely due to total parenteral nutrition, (TPN), related sepsis, liver failure and failed intestinal adaptation.

References

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Correspondence