"Bucket handle" avulsion of intestine in gastroschisis.

Two infants with gastroschisis had most of the midgut avulsed during cesarean section. There was only 12 and 20 cm of small bowel remaining, with an intact ileocecal valve in each case. Cutaneous enterostomy followed by anastomosis was done in both patients. The first child is 4 years old and is now on total enteral feedings after prolonged intravenous support. The second infant is still on partial parenteral nutrition. The cases illustrate the vulnerability of the fetus with gastroschisis during extraction by cesarean section.