Early outcome analysis of Gastroschisis from a high-volume tertiary care institute in India: A prospective observational study

Background: Gastroschisis is one of the common congenital anterior abdominal wall defects with uncovered abdominal contents (usually intestines) protruding through it. Immediate reduction of the abdominal contents is crucial after birth because of the grave consequences of delayed management. The aim of our study was to evaluate the early outcomes of Gastroschisis at a tertiary care institute in India. Methods: This prospective observational study was undertaken over a one-year duration extending from January to December 2021 at our pediatric tertiary care teaching institute. Results: There were 30 male and 28 female patients, out of which 37 were preterm neonates. The mean birth weight was 2019±357g. Seven patients (12.07%) had major associated malformations. Fifty (86.21%) patients underwent primary skin flap closure. Staged reduction with silo was accomplished in five (8.62%) patients; three patients died during resuscitation before any therapeutic procedure could be undertaken. Among 55 (94.83%) patients with surgical procedures, only 26 (47.27%) could be salvaged with overall favorable (survival) outcomes in 44.83% of patients. Mortality was high (92.59%, 25/27) in the patients presenting with markedly edematous bowel with leathery peel.  Seventeen (29.31%, 17/58) neonates died in the first 72 hours (postoperatively) due to complications of abdominal compartment syndrome, eight (13.79%) patients died due to postoperative sepsis with thrombocytopenia, and two (3.44%) had intestinal perforation. The duration of hospital stay in neonates who survived ranged from one to four weeks. Conclusion: Overall survival rates in our study were 44.83% markedly in contrast to the series published in the recent literature. The outcome of preterm (premature) patients, associated intestinal atresia, presence of edematous bowel with leathery peel, patients requiring silo due to viscero-abdominal disproportion, necrotizing enterocolitis, and associated malformations, was dismal.