No abstract

Complete repair of gastroschisis at the initial operation is the optimal goal; however, the severity of VAD has permitted this approach in only one third of patients in this study. Delayed repair with a silastic chimney and one or more reconstructive procedures has provided excellent long-term survival with low morbidity and mortality rates. Although skin-flap closure is no longer used initially, this technique has been helpful for the residual defect in infants with severe VAD who have had multiple silon chimney repairs (Applied Biomaterial, Silverdale, WA).