Gastroschisis reduction under analgesia in the neonatal unit

Purpose: The authors present their experience of reduction of gastroschisis in infants in the ward with analgesia and without anesthesia. Methods: Prospective data were collected on 35 infants born with gastroschi sis from 1999 to 2001. Ward reduction (WR) was not attempted in infants wit h obvious gut atresia, perforated or ischemic bowel, or systemic instabilit y. Results: Ward reduction was attempted in 29 of the 35 infants and was succe ssful in 25. There were no deaths or major morbidity in those that underwen t ward reduction. Ventilation was required in 2, and line sepsis occurred i n 4. Umbilical hernia was seen in 7; all but 1 were treated conservatively. Conclusions: In gastroschisis, ward reduction under analgesia is safe if st rict selection criteria are adhered to. Postreduction ventilation is avoide d in the majority. J Pediatr Surg 36:1672-1674. Copyright (C) 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.