Fetal gastroschisis: a preliminary report advocating the use of cesarean section.

Twenty-four cases of fetal gastroschisis referred between 1982 and 1984 were evaluated. The seven infants delivered by cesarean section all had primary closures and an average hospital stay of 18 days. Of the 17 infants delivered via the vaginal route, there were three deaths; primary closure was only possible in 11 and the average hospital stay was significantly prolonged. Until a large multicenter, prospective randomized study can be accomplished, the present data support the use of cesarean section for delivery of infants with gastroschisis.