Management of complicated gastroschisis with porcine small intestinal submucosa and negative pressure wound therapy.

INTRODUCTION

In almost all cases of gastroschisis, fascial closure may be achieved primarily or after silo reduction. Rarely, fascial and skin closure are impossible. We report our experience with visceral coverage in complicated cases of gastroschisis with porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) augmented by negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT).

METHODS

Over a 3-year period, 55 infants with gastroschisis were managed. In 3 of these cases, fascia and skin could not be approximated safely after complete reduction of abdominal viscera with a spring-loaded silo. Visceral coverage in each case was achieved with 0.42-mm-thickness Surgisis ES (Cook Surgical, Bloomington, Ind) that was sewn to the fascial edges. Negative pressure wound therapy was then initiated at 75 mm Hg over the exposed SIS using vacuum-assisted closure.

RESULTS

In each case, granulation tissue developed quickly and was followed by complete epithelialization. Two patients subsequently developed umbilical hernias.

CONCLUSION

We have successfully used SIS augmented by NPWT in the management of 3 infants with complicated gastroschisis. In the rare situation in which fascial closure cannot be achieved, the combination of SIS and NPWT can provide a safe and effective means of abdominal wall closure.