Preterm delivery promotes a high primary reduction in simple gastroschisis and the exit-like technique may improve the outcomes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the rate of primary closure and to compare the post-operative results of the classic technique with the exit-like technique in preterm newborns with simple gastroschisis. METHODS: Observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study including patients diagnosed with simple gastroschisis that were divided into: Group I: preterm newborns undergoing primary closure and Group II: preterm newborns undergoing an exit-like surgical treatment. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 58 patients were included. 55/58 (95%) had a primary closure. The median days on mechanical ventilation was three days for group I and one day for group II (p < 0.001). The duration of parenteral nutrition was 19,7±9.9 days and 18.4±7.2 days for groups I and II respectively (p = ns). The time to full enteral feeding was 23 ± 9,9 days and 18,9 ± 5.8 days for groups I and II respectively (p = 0,02). The length of hospital stay was 28 ± 11 days in group I and 24± 8 days in group II (p = ns). The complication rate was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm delivery resulted in a high rate of primary closure. The exit-like technique avoids endotracheal intubation, general anesthesia, mechanical ventilation and shortens the time to full enteral feeding in simple gastroschisis.