Gastroschisis and omphalocele

The experience of 73 consecutive infants with gastroschisis and omphalocele is reported. The overall survival rate was 80 percent; however, since 1973 the survival rate for ruptured and intact omphaloceles has been 87 percent and 93 percent for gastroschisis. This remarkable reduction in mortality has been attributed primarily to the advent of total parenteral hyperalimentation, but mortality has also decreased due to the use of pediatric respirators which overcome the effects of increased intraabdominal pressure, and the creation of the neonatal intensive care unit where monitoring of these often fragile infants and the presence of specialty personnel assist in their care.