The role of the silastic prosthesis in the management of gastroschisis.

We reviewed data on 43 patients with gastroschisis treated at The Hospital for Sick Children, London, between 1959 and 1975. In the past five years, the overall mortality has been reduced from 76% to 33%. The introduction of the Silastic silo has been the most important single factor in this improvement. Mortality may be further reduced by achieving all-layer closure following thorough bowel decompression and stretching of the abdominal wall.