MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Gastroschisis repair

Medical Encyclopedia

Gastroschisis repair - series: Aftercare

Gastroschisis repair - series
Illustrations:

Normal anatomy

Indications

Procedure

Aftercare

The defect can be corrected with surgery in most cases. The outcome depends on the amount of damage to or loss of intestine.

The infant is cared for post-operatively in a neonatal intensive care unit. The baby is placed in an isolette (incubator) to keep warm and prevent infection. The baby will be given oxygen and often require mechanical ventilation. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics and pain medication will be given. A nasogastric tube will be in place to keep the stomach emptied of gastric secretions. Feedings are started by nasogastric tube as soon as bowel function resumes. Feedings are started very slowly and often infants are reluctant to feed. These babies may need feeding therapy and lots of encouragement.

Update Date: 7/22/2008

Updated by: Shimul A. Shah, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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