Repair of gastroschisis with preservation of the umbilicus

A simplified technique for the repair of gastroschisis without the need to excise the umbilicus or make a fascial incision has been developed. First, the abdominal wall is stretched and the viscera are reduced. Next, the skin and subcutaneous tissue are elevated from the fascia for 1.5 cm around the defect and the fascia is closed transversely with interrupted sutures. The skin is also closed transversely. The umbilical stump is left intact. Eight of nine consecutive patients with gastroschisis were able to undergo repair by this technique. The average hospital stay was 35.6 days. There were no cases of omphalitis or cellulitis of the abdominal wall, but one child has a small umbilical hernia. All have a near normal-appearing umbilicus. This simpler technique for the repair of gastroschisis is quicker and less traumatic, and gives a better cosmetic result than the conventional method.