Gastroschisis - Novel Surgical Strategies, a 5 Year Review

Abstract

My research is a literature review focused on the gastroschisis abdominal wall defect. Within this review, I have examined recent surgical strategies employed for gastroschisis in the last five years. The selected publications are original and delineate surgical techniques implemented by doctors to enhance surgical outcomes. Novel strategies are explored in both methods of gastroschisis surgery, namely primary closure and staged reduction with a silo bag. Advancements in primary closure aim to reduce the size of herniated organs, facilitating their reintegration into the abdominal cavity without increasing intra-abdominal pressure and causing damage. Advancements in staged closure predominantly originate from developing countries where modern equipment is lacking. These settings force doctors in low to middle-income countries to be creative and devise appropriate tools for the staged reduction of herniated organs. Additionally, there are emerging techniques for attempting gastroschisis staged closure using autogenous materials exclusively. The literature review also encompasses prenatal experimental strategies aimed at minimizing bowel damage in utero. Historically, gastroschisis posed a fatal threat, but innovations within the paediatric surgical field, including novel surgical strategies, now enable the survival and well-being of these young patients.