Challenges and Outcome of Management of Gastroschisis at a Tertiary Institution in North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Gastroschisis is a congenital anterior abdominal wall defect characterized by herniation of abdominal contents through a defect usually located to the right side of the umbilical cord. It occurs in about 1 in 2,000-4,000 live births and is slightly commoner in males. Management has remained challenging in the low and middle-income countries (LMICS), with high mortality rates. This study highlights the clinical presentation, treatment, outcomes, and challenges in the management of gastroschisis at a tertiary healthcare center in a resource-limited setting. <b>Methods:</b> This was a retrospective review of the records of all patients with gastroschisis managed over a period of 30 months (January 2016-June 2018). Data on patients' demographics, age, birth weight, clinical presentation, method of gastroschisis reduction and closure, complications, and outcomes were collated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. A <i>p</i>-value of >0.05 was considered significant. <b>Results:</b> Twenty-four patients with gastroschisis were managed. Of these, 18 patients had data available for analysis. There were 14 males, with a male-female ratio of 3.5:1. The median age at presentation was 11.0 h (range 1-36 h). Ten patients (55.6%) were delivered in a medical facility. One patient had type II jejunal atresia and transverse colonic atresia as associated anomalies. Improvised silos were applied by the bedside in 15 (83.3%) patients, while two patients (11.1%) had primary closure under general anesthesia. One patient died before definitive treatment could be done. Sterile urobags and female condoms were used for constructing improvised silos in 9 (60%) and 6 (40%) patients, respectively. Eight patients who had initial silo application had complete bowel reduction over a median time of 8.0 days (mean 10.0 ± 6.5 days, range 2-23 days). Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was not available. The average time to commencement of feeding was 8.0 days ± 6.6 (median 6.0 days, range 2-22 days). Full feeding was achieved in five patients (two patients in the primary closure group and three from the silo group) over a mean time of 16.8 days ± 10.4 (median 14.0 days). Sepsis was the commonest complication. Four patients (22.2%) survived. <b>Conclusion:</b> Management of gastroschisis remains challenging in resource-limited regions.