Simplified treatment of large congenital ventral wall defects.

A preformed silicone polymer silo has been used in eleven infants with omphalocele and gastroschisis. This prosthesis has significant advantages over other forms of silo construction. Among these advantages are: (1) easy and rapid primary application; (2) a totally nonreactive and closed system which prevents peritoneum fluid loss and bacterial contamination; (3) a uniform constant stretching force applied to the abdominal wall which promotes expansion of the peritoneal cavity; and (4) the transparent material of the silo which permits constant evaluation of the contained viscera. These factors all contribute to a smoother operative and postoperative course than that which occurs with skin closure or the self-sutured prosthetic silos.