ABSTRACT
Gastroschisis is an anterior abdominal wall defect that occurs in utero , through which there is herniation of intra-abdominal viscera into the amniotic sac. Most infants with gastroschisis are born prematurely, weighing 2000–2500 g. Gastroschisis requires prompt surgical intervention. Delays in surgical management should be incurred only as a result of transport of the infant to a pediatric surgical center or the need for prolonged preoperative stabilization. Most infants with gastroschisis are dehydrated at birth and require at least 125% of normal maintenance fluids to regain normovolemia. Before surgery, the infant with gastroschisis should be normothermic, hemodynamically stable, have good urine output, and have normal serum electrolytes following adequate fluid resuscitation. Most patients with gastroschisis require parenteral nutrition to provide the necessary calories intravenously while awaiting bowel reduction and recovery of bowel function. Sepsis, resulting from intra-abdominal or wound infections, and central line infections are additional causes of morbidity in patients with gastroschisis.
