Surgical strategies in complex gastroschisis

European reference network for rare inherited congenital anomalies (ERNICA) evidence based guideline on the management of gastroschisis

BACKGROUND

The European Reference Network for rare Inherited Congenital Anomalies, ERNICA, guidelines for gastroschisis cover perinatal period to help teams to improve care.

METHOD

A systematic literature search including 136 publications was conducted. Research findings were assessed following the GRADE methodology. The evidence to decision framework was used to determine the strength and direction of recommendations.

RESULTS

The mode or timing of delivery do not impact neonatal mortality, risk of NEC or time on parenteral nutrition (PN). Intra or extra abdominal bowel dilatation predict complex gastroschisis and longer length of hospital stay but not increased perinatal mortality. Outcomes after Bianchi procedure and primary fascia closure under anesthesia are similar. Sutureless closure decreases the rate of surgical site infections and duration of ventilation compared to surgical closure. Silo-staged closure with or without intubation results in similar outcomes. Outcomes of complex gastroschisis (CG) undergoing early or delayed surgical repair are similar. Early enteral feeds starting within 14 days is associated with lower risk of surgical site infection.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The panel suggests vaginal birth between 37 and 39 w in cases of uncomplicated gastroschisis. Bianchi's approach is an option in simple gastroschisis. Sutureless closure is suggested when general anesthesia can be avoided, sutured closure. If anesthesia is required. Silo treatment without ventilation and general anesthesia can be considered. In CG with atresia primary intestinal repair can be attempted if the condition of patient and intestine allows. Enteral feeds for simple gastroschisis should start within 14 days.

Comparison of Perinatal Outcomes between Patients with Suspected Complex and Simple Gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare perinatal outcomes between patients with and without prenatal ultrasound markers predictive of complex gastroschisis.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort of 98 patients with isolated fetal gastroschisis underwent antenatal ultrasound and delivered in a tertiary referral center. Patients were classified according to eight ultrasonographic markers predictive of complexity, and perinatal outcomes were assessed accordingly. The primary outcome was the presence of fetal growth restriction and staged SILO reduction postnatally. RESULTS:  Of all fetuses, 54.1% (n = 53) displayed ultrasonographic markers predictive of complexity at 32.7 ± 4.3 weeks of gestation. Gastric dilatation was the most frequent marker followed by extra-abdominal bowel dilatation. The presence of ultrasound markers predictive of complexity, was not associated with fetal growth restriction but its absence was less associated with staged SILO reduction of the abdominal wall postnatally with a relative risk of 0.79 (CI 95% 0.17-0.53).

CONCLUSION

Fetuses with ultrasound markers that predict complexity were not associated with fetal growth restriction, but its absence was less associated with staged SILO reduction of the abdominal wall postnatally. It is necessary to unify criteria, establish cut-off points, and the optimal moment to measure these markers.

KEY POINTS

· The association between ultrasound markers and adverse perinatal outcomes in fetuses with gastroschisis remain controversial.. · The absence of ultrasound markers that predict complexity was less associated with staged SILO reduction postnatally.. · It is necessary to unify criteria, establish cut-off points, and the optimal moment to measure these markers..

Perinatal Outcomes of Neonates with Complex and Simple Gastroschisis after Planned Preterm Delivery-A Single-Centre Retrospective Cohort Study

This research analysed early neonatal outcomes of complex and simple gastroschisis following planned elective preterm delivery in relation to prenatal ultrasound assessment of bowel conditions. A retrospective study of 61 neonates with prenatal gastroschisis diagnosis, birth, and management at a single tertiary centre from 2011 to 2021 showed a 96.72% survival rate with no intrauterine fatalities. Most cases (78.7%) were simple gastroschisis. Neonates with complex gastroschisis had longer hospital stays and time to full enteral feeding compared to those with simple gastroschisis-75.4 versus 35.1 days and 58.1 versus 24.1 days, respectively. A high concordance of 86.90% between the surgeon's and perinatologist's bowel condition assessments was achieved. The caesarean delivery protocol demonstrated safety, high survival rate, primary closure, and favourable outcomes compared to other reports. Prenatal ultrasound effectively evaluated bowel conditions and identified complex gastroschisis cases.

Evaluating the risk of peri-umbilical hernia after sutured or sutureless gastroschisis closure

INTRODUCTION

We evaluate the incidence, outcomes, and management of peri‑umbilical hernias after sutured or sutureless gastroschisis closure.

METHODS

A retrospective, longitudinal follow-up of neonates with gastroschisis who underwent closure at 11 children's hospitals from 2013 to 2016 was performed. Patient encounters were reviewed through 2019 to identify the presence of a peri‑umbilical hernia, time to spontaneous closure or repair, and associated complications.

RESULTS

Of 397 patients, 375 had follow-up data. Sutured closure was performed in 305 (81.3%). A total of 310 (82.7%) infants had uncomplicated gastroschisis. Peri-umbilical hernia incidence after gastroschisis closure was 22.7% overall within a median follow-up of 2.5 years [IQR 1.3,3.9], and higher in those with uncomplicated gastroschisis who underwent primary vs. silo assisted closure (53.0% vs. 17.2%, p< 0.001). At follow-up, 50.0% of sutureless closures had a persistent hernia, while 16.4% of sutured closures had a postoperative hernia of the fascial defect (50.0% vs. 16.4%, p< 0.001). Spontaneous closure was observed in 38.8% of patients within a median of 17 months [9,26] and most frequently observed in those who underwent a sutureless primary closure (52.2%). Twenty-seven patients (31.8%) underwent operative repair within a median of 13 months [7,23.5]. Rate and interval of spontaneous closure or repair were similar between the sutured and sutureless closure groups, with no difference between those who underwent primary vs. silo assisted closure.

CONCLUSION

Peri-umbilical hernias after sutured or sutureless gastroschisis closure may be safely observed similar to congenital umbilical hernias as spontaneous closure occurs, with minimal complications and no additional risk with either closure approach.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Outcome and management in neonates with gastroschisis in the third millennium-a single-centre observational study

Gastroschisis is one of the most common congenital malformations in paediatric surgery. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal management. The aims of this study were to investigate the management and outcome and to identify predictors of outcome in gastroschisis. A retrospective observational study of neonates with gastroschisis born between 1999 and 2020 was undertaken. Data was extracted from the medical records and Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of outcome measured by length of hospital stay (LOS) and duration of parenteral nutrition (PN). In total, 114 patients were included. Caesarean section was performed in 105 (92.1%) at a median gestational age (GA) of 36 weeks (range 29-38) whereof (46) 43.8% were urgent. Primary closure was achieved in 82% of the neonates. Overall survival was 98.2%. One of the deaths was caused by abdominal compartment syndrome and one patient with intestinal failure-associated liver disease died from sepsis. None of the deceased patients was born after 2005. Median time on mechanical ventilation was 22 h. Low GA, staged closure, intestinal atresia, and sepsis were independent predictors of longer LOS and duration on PN. In addition, male sex was an independent predictor of longer LOS.

CONCLUSION

Management of gastroschisis according to our protocol was successful with a high survival rate, no deaths in neonates born after 2005, and favourable results in LOS, duration on PN, and time on mechanical ventilation compared to other reports. Multicentre registry with long-term follow-up is required to establish the best management of gastroschisis.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Gastroschisis is one of the most common congenital malformations in paediatric surgery with increasing incidence. • There is no consensus among clinicians regarding the optimal management of gastroschisis.

WHAT IS NEW

• Although primary closure was achieved in 82% of the patients, mortality rate was very low (1.8%) with no deaths in neonates born after 2005 following the introduction of measurement of intraabdominal pressure at closure. • Low gestational age, staged closure, intestinal atresia, sepsis, and male sex were independent predictors of longer length of hospital stay.

Ultrasound Markers for Complex Gastroschisis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although gastroschisis is often diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound, there is still a gap in the literature about which prenatal ultrasound markers can predict complex gastroschisis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the ultrasound markers that characterize complex gastroschisis. A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the guidelines of PRISMA. The protocol was registered (PROSPERO ID CRD42020211685). Meta-analysis was displayed graphically on Forest plots, which estimate prevalence rates and risk ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, using STATA version 15.0. The combined prevalence of intestinal complications in fetuses with complex gastroschisis was 27.0%, with a higher prevalence of atresia (about 48%), followed by necrosis (about 25%). The prevalence of deaths in newborns with complex gastroschisis was 15.0%. The predictive ultrasound markers for complex gastroschisis were intraabdominal bowel dilatation (IABD) (RR 3.01, 95% CI 2.22 to 4.07; I² = 15.7%), extra-abdominal bowel dilatation (EABD) (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.39; I² = 77.1%), and polyhydramnios (RR 3.81, 95% CI 2.09 to 6.95; I² = 0.0%). This review identified that IABD, EABD, and polyhydramnios were considered predictive ultrasound markers for complex gastroschisis. However, evidence regarding gestational age at the time of diagnosis is needed.

Statistical Analysis of the Main Risk Factors of an Unfavorable Evolution in Gastroschisis

Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect that presents an increasing occurrence at great cost for the health system. The aim of the study is to detect the main factors of an unfavorable evolution in the case of gastroschisis and to find the best predictors of death.

METHODS

we conducted a retrospective cohort study of neonates with gastroschisis treated in a tertiary pediatric center during the last 30 years; 159 patients were eligible for the study. Logistic regression was used to determine the risk of death, estimated based on independent variables previously validated by the chi-square test.

RESULTS

if the birth weight is below normal, then we find an increased risk (4.908 times) of evolution to death. Similarly, the risk of death is 7.782 times higher in the case of developing abdominal compartment syndrome, about 3 times in the case of sepsis and 7.883 times in the case of bronchopneumonia. All four independent variables contributed 47.6% to the risk of death.

CONCLUSION

although in the past 30 years in our country we have seen transformational improvements in outcome of gastroschisis, survival rates increasing from 26% to 52%, some factors may still be ameliorated for a better outcome.

Influence of birthplace on gastroschisis outcomes in a state in the southeastern region of Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the influence of birthplace on outcomes of patients with gastroschisis admitted to three hospitals in a state in Brazil's southeastern region, according to condition inborn (born in a reference center) or outborn (born outside the reference center).

METHODS

Retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with gastroschisis. The sample size utilized was of patients admitted in three hospitals with a diagnosis of gastroschisis ICD 10 Q79.3 between January 2000 to December 2018. Patients were divided into two groups, inborn and outborn. Characteristics of prenatal, perinatal and postoperative were compared using statistical tests. The level of significance adopted was P-value < 0.05.

RESULTS

In total, 144 cases of gastroschisis were investigated. The outborn patients group had higher rates of absence of antenatal diagnosis (p = 0.001), vaginal delivery (p = 0.001), longer time between birth and abdominal wall closure surgery (p = 0.001), to silo removal (p = 0.001), to first enteral feeding (p = 0.008), for weaning from mechanical ventilation (p = 0.034), used less peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and required more venous dissections (p = 0.001), and lower mean of serum sodium (p = 0.015). There were no differences in mortality rates and length of hospital stay between the inborn and outborn groups.

CONCLUSION

Although outborn patients with gastroschisis were less likely to have an antenatal diagnosis and were more prone to a longer time to undergo surgical and feeding procedures, and to spend more time in mechanical ventilation, these disadvantages seemed not to reflect on the death rate and the length of hospital stay of patients from this group.

Gastroschisis: A Successful, Prospectively Evaluated Treatment Model in a Middle-Income Country

BACKGROUND

This research adopted a care protocol from high-income countries in a level II/III hospital in a middle-income country to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with gastroschisis.

METHODS

We established a multidisciplinary protocol to treat patients with gastroschisis prospectively from November 2012 to November 2018. This included prenatal diagnosis, presence of a neonatologist and pediatric surgeon at birth, and either performing primary closure on the patients with an Apgar score of 8/9, mild serositis, and no breathing difficulty or placing a preformed silo, when unable to fulfill these criteria, under sedation and analgesia (no intubation) in the operating room or at the patients' bedside. The subsequent management took place in the neonatal intensive care unit. The data were analyzed through the Mann-Whitney and Student's t-distribution for the two independent samples; the categorical variables were analyzed through a chi-square distribution or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

In total, 55 patients were included in the study: 33 patients (60%) were managed with a preformed silo, whereas 22 patients (40%) underwent primary closure. Prenatal diagnosis (P = 0.02), birth at the main hospital (P = 0.02), and the presence of a pediatric surgeon at birth (P = 0.04) were associated with successful primary closure. The primary closure group had fewer fasting days (P < 0.001) and a shorter neonatal intensive care unit length of stay (P = 0.025). The survival rate was 92.7% (51 patients).

CONCLUSION

The treatment model modified to fit the means of our hospital proved successful.

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.

Vanishing Gastroschisis with a Favorable Outcome after a 3-Year Follow-Up: A Case Report and Literature Review

Vanishing gastroschisis (VG) is a severe complication of gastroschisis with a high mortality rate. We report here a case of VG with a favorable outcome after a 3-year follow-up. A 26-year-old primigravida woman was referred to Strasbourg University Hospital because her fetus was diagnosed with an isolated gastroschisis at 13-week gestation. The ultrasound evolution was marked by a progressive closure of the abdominal wall defect from 19-week gestation and the appearance of dilated intra-abdominal loops. The child was born with a closed abdominal wall except a small remnant at the level of the former gastroschisis orifice. Explorative laparotomy revealed extensive midgut atresia with only 50 cm of remaining midgut. A jejunocolic anastomosis was performed. The child is now 3 years old and has a favorable outcome with only 2 nights a week of parenteral nutrition. A total of 39 cases of VG type D from Perrone et al. classification are described in the literature from 1991 to 2019, among which 19 (48.7%) are alive at the time of publication but only 4 cases are described with a long-term follow-up of 3 years or more. This is the fifth case described with a favorable evolution after 3-year follow-up.

Fetal intra-abdominal bowel dilation in prediction of complex gastroschisis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate intra-abdominal bowel dilation (IABD) in the prediction of complex gastroschisis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 174 singleton pregnancies with isolated fetal gastroschisis, resulting in live birth and with available ultrasound images from visits at both 20-22 and 30-32 weeks' gestation. IABD was measured as the greatest transverse diameter of the most dilated intra-abdominal bowel segment, by an operator blinded to postnatal outcome. The distribution of IABD measurements in those with complex and those with simple gastroschisis was determined and the best cut-off value to predict complex gastroschisis was selected using receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves. The area under the ROC curve (AUC), detection rate (DR), false-positive rate (FPR), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined.

RESULTS

The study population included 39 (22.4%) cases of complex and 135 (77.6%) cases of simple gastroschisis. In the prediction of complex gastroschisis, the AUC at 20-22 weeks' gestation was 0.742 (95% CI, 0.628-0.856) and the respective value for 30-32 weeks was 0.820 (95% CI, 0.729-0.910). At the IABD cut-off of 7 mm at 20-22 weeks, DR, FPR, PPV and NPV for complex gastroschisis were 61.5%, 6.7%, 72.7% and 89.4%, respectively, and at IABD cut-off of 14 mm at 30-32 weeks, the respective values were 64.9%, 5.9%, 75.0% and 90.7%.

CONCLUSION

Measurement of IABD at 20-22 or at 30-32 weeks' gestation is useful in the prediction of complex gastroschisis. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Error traps and culture of safety in the treatment of abdominal wall defects

The importance of defining and implementing a culture of safety in pediatric surgery is being increasingly seen as essential to decreasing complications and improving outcomes. The concept of a safety culture is a universal one, but the elements of such a culture are different for every disease and anomaly treated. In this paper, I will review these elements as they pertain to the treatment of abdominal wall defects starting from fetal evaluation to post-discharge care.