Gastroschisis and exomphalos: recent trends and factors influencing survival.

The present study examined the treatment and survival of patients with gastroschisis and exomphalos in the 5-year period January 1982-December 1987, at the Prince of Wales Children's Hospital. There were 15 cases of gastroschisis and 17 cases of exomphalos. The influences of temperature on arrival, birthweight, method of repair and associated anomalies on survival were examined. More patients presenting with gastroschisis survived than those with exomphalos (14 of 15 compared with 10 of 17, respectively). Of all the factors examined, the presence and nature of associated anomalies is the most important in determining survival.