Review of the evidence on the closure of abdominal wall defects

Enhancing Omphalocele Care: Navigating Complications and Innovative Treatment Approaches

Congenital abdominal wall abnormalities in infants present an interesting and difficult management problem for surgeons. Congenital malformations of the ventral abdominal wall can be diagnosed by their distinctive anatomical presentations. Among them, omphalocele, gastroschisis and umbilical cord hernias are the most frequently observed clinically detected abdominal wall anomalies. Omphalocele refers to the herniation of abdominal contents through a defect in the abdominal wall at the umbilicus with or without the presence of a sac. This article gives an insight into the embryology, risk factors, treatment, investigations and complications of omphalocele, a common congenital abdominal wall defect. There is minimal proof that environmental factors contribute to the development of omphalocele. However, there is a considerable amount of evidence which points to the importance of genetic or familial risk factors. Newborns and infants with prenatal diagnoses are the most frequently presenting patients with omphalocele to paediatric surgeons. This article describes the problems and the steps of management for handling each circumstance, as well as any further complications. Omphalocele and gastroschisis are frequently described together in many research papers. However, it's crucial to consider that they are two different conditions which vary in anatomy, pathology and associated conditions which account for the difference in their treatments and noticeably varied outcomes. Additionally, there is evidence that each has a different set of factors associated with risk for occurrence. There are no known etiologic causes that cause these abnormalities to develop. The size of the baby, the extent of the lesion, and any other disorders all affect how individuals with these congenital abdominal wall anomalies are treated.

Omphalocele and biliary atresia: chance or causality. A case report

To relate omphalocele and biliary atresia and investigate possible embryological correlations that justify the simultaneous occurrence. A female preterm newborn diagnosed as omphalocele; cesarean delivery, weight 2,500g, 46 XX karyotype. Initially, the newborn remained fasting and on parenteral nutrition, and enteral diet was introduced later, with good acceptance. On the 12^th day of life, the newborn presented direct hyperbilirubinemia, increased levels of liver enzymes and fecal acholia, with a presumptive diagnosis of biliary atresia. However, the ultrasound was inconclusive, due to anatomical changes resulting from omphalocele. A surgical approach was chosen on the 37^th day of life aiming to confirm diagnosis of biliary atresia and to repair omphalocele. During the surgical procedure, structural alterations compatible with biliary atresia were observed, later confirmed by pathological examination; a hepatoportoenterostomy was performed and the omphalocele was corrected. She evolved well in the postoperative period, with a decrease in direct bilirubin and liver enzymes, as well as resolution of fecal acholia, and was discharged in good clinical condition. This is a bizarre and extremely rare association, but the prognosis may be good when an early diagnosis is made and surgery performed, besides support and clinical management to prevent complications in the perioperative period. Although the pathogenesis of the diseases has not been fully defined yet, there is, to date, no direct relation between them. The association between omphalocele and biliary atresia is extremely uncommon, with only two published cases.

Predictors of long-term respiratory insufficiency of exomphalos major

INTRODUCTION

Exomphalos major (EM) is associated with significant morbidity and even mortality with an important risk of long-term pulmonary disease.

AIM

To assess the outcomes of exomphalos in a single tertiary pediatric unit and to identify prognostic factors for patients with respiratory insufficiency who still require ventilatory assistance at six months.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All infants admitted to our institution over a 10-year period (2005 to 2015) with exomphalos were retrospectively reviewed. EM was defined when the abdominal wall defect measured >= 5 cm and/or contained liver within the sac. Data were collected on patient demographics, prenatal course and imaging, birth information, immediate and long-term outcomes. Those with long-term respiratory insufficiency were identified as the primary outcome and reviewed to assess prognostic factors. A p value of ≤0.05 was regarded as significant. Data are quoted as median(range).

RESULTS

A total of 46 infants were diagnosed with exomphalos during the study period, with most (n = 30, 65%) defined as exomphalos major. Respiratory complications occurred in 16 (35%) with 8 (50%) of these requiring long-term (≥6 months) mechanical ventilation and 5 (31%) required a tracheostomy. On univariate analysis, resuscitation at birth (p = 0.0004), birth weight <3000 g (p = 0.008), use of nitric oxide (p = 0.004), high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) (p = 0.001), pulmonary hypoplasia (p<0.0001) and pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with respiratory insufficiency. The strongest predictive model for ventilation support at six months was resuscitation at birth in combination with PH (OR = 1.57). Five infants (11%) died at 5(1-122) days.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with EM, the presence of pulmonary hypertension along with resuscitation at birth are the most important prognostic factors for long-term respiratory insufficiency. Acknowledgement of these factors allows for better parental counselling regarding respiratory outcomes.

Abdominal Wall Defects-Current Treatments

Gastroschisis and omphalocele reflect the two most common abdominal wall defects in newborns. First postnatal care consists of defect coverage, avoidance of fluid and heat loss, fluid administration and gastric decompression. Definitive treatment is achieved by defect reduction and abdominal wall closure. Different techniques and timings are used depending on type and size of defect, the abdominal domain and comorbidities of the child. The present review aims to provide an overview of current treatments.

Major abdominal wall defects in the low- and middle-income setting: current status and priorities

Major congenital abdominal wall defects (gastroschisis and omphalocele) may account for up to 21% of emergency neonatal interventions in low- and middle-income countries. In many low- and middle-income countries, the reported mortality of these malformations is 30-100%, while in high-income countries, mortality in infants with major abdominal wall reaches less than 5%. This review highlights the challenges faced in the management of newborns with major congenital abdominal wall defects in the resource-limited setting. Current high-income country best practice is assessed and opportunities for appropriate priority setting and collaborations to improve outcomes are discussed.

Elective delivery at 34 weeks vs routine obstetric care in fetal gastroschisis: randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether elective preterm delivery (ED) at 34 weeks is of postnatal benefit to infants with isolated gastroschisis compared with routine obstetric care (RC).

METHODS

Between May 2013 and September 2015, all women with a sonographic diagnosis of fetal gastroschisis referred to a single tertiary center, before 34 weeks' gestation, were invited to participate in this study. Eligible patients were randomized to ED (induction of labor at 34 weeks) or RC (spontaneous labor or delivery by 37-38 weeks, based on standard obstetric indications). The primary outcome measure was length of time on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Secondary outcomes were time to closure of gastroschisis and length of stay in hospital. Outcome variables were compared using appropriate statistical methods. Analysis was based on intention-to-treat.

RESULTS

Twenty-five women were assessed for eligibility, of whom 21 (84%; 95% CI, 63.9-95.5%) agreed to participate in the study; of these, 10 were randomized to ED and 11 to RC. The trial was stopped at the first planned interim analysis due to patient safety concerns and for futility; thus, only 21 of the expected 86 patients (24.4%; 95% CI, 15.8-34.9%) were enrolled. Median gestational age at delivery was 34.3 (range, 34-36) weeks in the ED group and 36.7 (range, 27-38) weeks in the RC group. One patient in the ED group delivered at 36 weeks following unsuccessful induction at 34 weeks. Neonates of women who underwent ED, compared to those in the RC group, showed no difference in the median number of days on TPN (54 (range, 17-248) vs 21 (range, 9-465) days; P = 0.08), number of days to closure of gastroschisis (7 (range, 0-15) vs 5 (range, 0-8) days; P = 0.28) and length of stay in hospital (70.5 (range, 22-137) vs 31 (range, 19-186) days; P = 0.15). However, neonates in the ED group were significantly more likely to experience late-onset sepsis compared with those in the RC group (40% (95% CI, 12.2-73.8%) vs 0%; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates no benefit of ED of fetuses with gastroschisis when postnatal gastroschisis management is similar to that used in routine care. Rather, the data suggest that ED is detrimental to infants with gastroschisis. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Paint and wait management of giant omphaloceles

Management of the very large defect or those in patients with severe comorbidities has evolved to the use of methods that result in escharification and eventual skin coverage over the viscera. This treatment strategy employs principles that were described in the early 20th century. This review will describe the history, principles, methods, and outcomes from the so called 'paint and wait' management of omphalocele.

Ex utero intrapartum treatment for giant congenital omphalocele

BACKGROUND

To determine whether ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) is an appropriate approach for managing fetuses antenatally diagnosed with giant congenital omphaloceles.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with omphaloceles who underwent either an EXIT procedure or a traditional repair surgery. Basic and clinical parameters including gender, gestational age, birth weight, maternal blood loss, operative times and operative complications were analyzed. During the 6-12-month follow-ups, postoperative complications including bowel obstruction, abdominal infections, postoperative abdominal distension were monitored, and survival rate was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of seven patients underwent the EXIT procedure and 11 patients underwent the traditional postnatal surgery. We found no differences in maternal age, gestational age at diagnosis, gestational age at delivery and birth weight between the two groups. In the EXIT group, the average operation time for mother was 68.3 ± 17.5 minutes and the average maternal blood loss was 233.0 ± 57.7 mL. The operation time in the EXIT group (22.0 ± 4.5 minutes) was shorter than that in the traditional group (35 ± 8.7 minutes), but the length of hospital stay in the EXIT group (20.5 ± 3.1 days) was longer than that in the traditional group (15.7 ± 2.5 days, P < 0.05). During the follow-up, one patient in the EXIT group had an intestinal obstruction, one developed abdominal compartment syndrome and one died in the traditional group.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, EXIT is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of giant congenital omphaloceles. However, more experience is needed before this procedure can be widely recommended.

A novel approach in the treatment of neonatal gastroschisis: a review of the literature and a single-center experience

Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect and its management remains an issue. We performed a review of the literature to summarize its evaluation, management and outcome and we describe a new type of surgical reduction performed in our center without anesthesia (GA), immediately after birth, in the delivery room. Between January 2002 and March 2013, we enrolled all live born infants with gastroschisis referred to the third-level Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology "San Camillo" of Rome. Two groups of infants were identified: group 1 in which gastroschis reduction was performed by the traditional technique and group 2 in which reduction was immediately performed after birth in the delivery room without GA. Twelve infants were enrolled in group 1, and seven infants in group 2. Statistical significance was observed between the groups regarding the hospital stay, for the duration of parenteral nutrition and full oral feeds (p = .004). Survival was similar between two groups. The reduction without GA performed immediately after birth in a delivery room encourages the relationship between the mother and her child and appears to be a safe and feasible technique in a selected group of patients with simple gastroschisis defect; for this reason, it could represent a valid alternative to traditional approach.

Gastroschisis--what should be told to parents?

Gastroschisis is a common congenital abdominal wall defect. It is almost always diagnosed prenatally thanks to routine maternal serum screening and ultrasound screening programs. In the majority of cases, the condition is isolated (i.e. not associated with chromosomal or other anatomical anomalies). Prenatal diagnosis allows for planning the timing, mode and location of delivery. Controversies persist concerning the optimal antenatal monitoring strategy. Compelling evidence supports elective delivery at 37  weeks' gestation in a tertiary pediatric center. Cesarean section should be reserved for routine obstetrical indications. Prognosis of infants with gastroschisis is primarily determined by the degree of bowel injury, which is difficult to assess antenatally. Prenatal counseling usually addresses gastroschisis issues. However, parental concerns are mainly focused on long-term postnatal outcomes including gastrointestinal function and neurodevelopment. Although infants born with gastroschisis often endure a difficult neonatal course, they experience few long-term complications. This manuscript, which is structured around common parental questions and concerns, reviews the evidence pertaining to the antenatal, neonatal and long-term implications of a fetal gastroschisis diagnosis and is aimed at helping healthcare professionals counsel expecting parents.

Expectant management compared with elective delivery at 37 weeks for gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate obstetric and neonatal outcomes after induction of labor at 37 weeks of gestation compared with expectant management in pregnancies complicated by fetal gastroschisis.

METHODS

The management of 296 pregnancies involving fetal gastroschisis (1980-2011) was reviewed from a single perinatal center. Ultrasound surveillance and nonstress testing were performed every 2 weeks from 30 weeks of gestation, weekly from 34 weeks of gestation, and twice weekly after 35 weeks of gestation until delivery. Labor was induced if fetal well-being testing was abnormal and, since 1994, labor was routinely induced at 37 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

Of 153 pregnancies reaching 37 weeks of gestation, labor was induced in 77 (26%) and 76 (25.7%) were allowed to labor spontaneously. There were no significant differences in mean maternal age (22 years in both), parity (56% compared with 66% nulliparous), presence of other fetal anomalies (12% compared with 9%), cesarean delivery rate (20% in both), 5-minute Apgar score less than 7 (10% compared with 12%), meconium at birth (36% compared with 49%), or respiratory distress syndrome (16% compared with 7%) between the induced and expectantly managed groups. However, neonatal sepsis (25% compared with 42%; P=.02) and a composite outcome of neonatal death and bowel damage (necrosis, atresia, perforation, adhesion; 8% compared with 21%; P=.02) were more common in expectantly managed pregnancies. Moreover, time to oral feeds (-3.4 days), time on total parenteral nutrition (-6.2 days), and hospital stay (-6.7 days) were reduced when labor was induced.

CONCLUSION

In fetuses with gastroschisis, induction of labor at 37 weeks of gestation was associated with reduced risks of sepsis, bowel damage, and neonatal death compared with pregnancies managed expectantly beyond 37 weeks of gestation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Primary fascial closure versus staged closure with silo in patients with gastroschisis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Gastroschisis is the most common congenital abdominal wall defect. Despite advances in the surgical closure of gastroschisis, consensus is lacking as to which method results in the best patient outcomes. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare short-term outcomes associated with primary fascial closure and staged repair with a silo in patients with gastroschisis.

METHODS

We reviewed Medline citations, as well as the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, between January 1, 1996 and June 1, 2012. Articles were identified using the search term "gastroschisis" and [("treatment outcome" or "prognosis") or randomized controlled trials]. Case reports, reviews, letters, abstracts only, non-English abstracts, and studies that did not address at least one of the outcomes of interest were excluded from the meta-analysis. Two independent reviewers identified relevant articles for final inclusion. A standard data collection form created by the authors was used to extract study information, including study design, patient characteristics, and reported patient outcomes. The data were analyzed using standard meta-analytic techniques.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the five studies that selected closure method randomly or as a temporal shift in practice, silo was associated with better outcomes, with a significant reduction in ventilator days (p<0.0001), time to first feed (p=0.04), and infection rates (p=0.03). When all studies were included, primary closure was associated with improved outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Silo closure is associated with better clinical outcomes in the studies with the least selection bias. Larger prospective studies are needed to definitively determine the best closure technique.

Advances in surgery for abdominal wall defects: gastroschisis and omphalocele

Abdominal wall defects (AWDs) are a common congenital surgical problem in fetuses and neonates. The incidence of these defects has steadily increased over the past few decades due to rising numbers of gastroschisis. Most of these anomalies are diagnosed prenatally and then managed at a center with available pediatric surgical, neonatology, and high-risk obstetric support. Omphaloceles and gastroschisis are distinct anomalies that have different management and outcomes. There have been a number of recent advances in the care of patients with AWDs, both in the fetus and the newborn, which will be discussed in this article.