The survivors of gastroschisis
Department
of Paediatric Surgery, United Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS
Trust and St James's and Seacroft University Hospitals NHS Trust,
Leeds
Correspondence to: Mr M D Stringer, Department of Paediatric Surgery, Clarendon Wing, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds LS2 9NS.
Accepted 13 May
1997
AIMS
To assess the long term morbidity and quality
of life in survivors of gastroschisis.
DESIGNAll babies born with gastroschisis between
1972 and 1984 and who survived more than one year were identified.
Those who could be traced were questioned about their general health,
growth, abdominal symptoms, cosmetic concerns, education, employment, and fertility.
RESULTSOf the 35 patients, two have died, seven
could not be traced, and three declined to be interviewed. Twenty three
subjects (70% of survivors) with a median age of 16 years (range
12-23 years) responded. Twenty two (96%) were in good health and
overall growth was within normal limits. Eight subjects (35%) have had further surgery related to gastroschisis, including two for adhesive small bowel obstruction and three for scar complications. In 13 (57%),
absence of an umbilicus caused distress during childhood.
CONCLUSIONMost gastroschisis survivors can
eventually expect normal growth and good health. Adhesive bowel
obstruction is an uncommon, but potentially late, complication. The
umbilicus should be conserved during gastroschisis repair.
© 1997 by Archives of Disease in Childhood
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