AN INEXPENSIVE AND READILY AVAILABLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE SILASTIC SILOFOR STAGED CLOSURE OF ABDOMINAL-WALL DEFECTS

The successful use of 500 mi Viaflex polyvinylchloride (PVC) IV fluid infusion bags instead of traditional reinforced silastic ''silos'' is described in two infants with exom-phalos who required staged abdomina l closure. Although one infant did not survive, there were no complica tions related to the IV bag silo in either patient. In both cases the bag was in place for more than 7 days, and was intact at the time of r emoval. The PVC containers are pre-sterilised, easily handled, and pro vide good visualisation of the condition of the extruded organs during reduction. They are routinely available in most hospital settings thr oughout the world and are approximately 1% of the cost of reinforced s ilastic, This technique offers a safe, effective, inexpensive, and rea dily available alternative to the traditional silastic pouch in the ma nagement of patients requiring staged closure of abdominal wall defect s.