Ischemic bowel after primary closure for gastroschisis.

Between 1983 and 1986, four newborns who had primary closure of gastroschisis had postoperative ischemic bowel. Suspicion was raised almost immediately after closure that something was wrong inside the abdomen when there was persistent acidosis, sepsis, abdominal wall redness, and a generalized worsening condition. All four neonates were re-explored. Necrotic bowel was found, and three required silon pouch closure. The two survivors were left with a temporary short gut. Whether the cause of the bowel ischemia in the four babies was due to excessive intraabdominal pressure, volvulus, or the intestines being too vigorously manipulated, is speculative. Therefore, excessive manipulation and compression of gastroschisis contents seem unwise; if such a newborn has persistence of the above signs and symptoms, immediate reoperation and decompression are warranted.