Biologic patch coverage for definitive management of giant gastroschisis defects

Abstract

Gastroschisis defects are managed with a variety of strategies including primary closure, staged silo reduction with delayed repair, and sutureless closure techniques. In cases of giant gastroschisis defects where primary closure is not feasible, biologic patch coverage has been traditionally considered as a temporary means of closing the abdomen. In this case report we describe two cases of giant gastroschisis defects that were not amenable to primary closure and required temporary coverage with biologic patches. From these cases, we report that biologic patch coverage can serve as definitive management of giant gastroschisis defects without the need for additional surgical management.

Keywords

• Gastroschisis
• Abdominal wall defect
• Biologic mesh
• Abdominal closure
• Pediatric surgery