Gastroschisis Repair

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Things you need to know

1.What is Gastroschisis Repair ​?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Gastroschisis Repair ?

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Why do you need Gastroschisis Repair ?

Gastroschisis repair is indicated for:

  • Gastroschisis:
    • A congenital abdominal wall defect (1 in 2,000–4,000 births), distinct from omphalocele (which has a sac covering the organs).
    • Intestines protrude through a hole (usually <4 cm) to the right of the umbilicus, exposed to amniotic fluid prenatally.
    • Symptoms: Visible intestines at birth, potential for infection, dehydration, or heat loss.
  • Associated risks:
    • Bowel damage: From amniotic fluid exposure, leading to inflammation or atresia (blockage).
    • Prematurity: Common in gastroschisis (50–60% born before 37 weeks).
  • Timing:
    • Surgery within hours of birth (ideally 4–12 hours) to minimize infection and fluid loss.

The procedure aims to return the intestines to the abdominal cavity, close the defect, and support bowel function, often requiring staged approaches if the abdomen is too small to accommodate the organs immediately.

Why Do Gastroschisis Repair Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Gastroschisis Repair Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Prenatal ultrasound: Detects gastroschisis (as early as 12–14 weeks gestation).
      • Postnatal exam: Confirms exposed intestines, assesses bowel condition.
      • Blood tests: Monitors electrolytes, infection markers (e.g., CRP).
    • Stabilization: Intestines wrapped in sterile saline-soaked gauze and plastic (silo bag) to prevent infection; IV fluids for hydration; temperature control.
    • Consent: Risks, including infection, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Gastroschisis Repair:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–3 hours.
      • Approach:
        • Primary closure: If abdominal cavity can accommodate intestines (30–50% of cases), defect closed in one surgery.
        • Staged closure: If abdomen too small (50–70%), intestines placed in a silo bag, gradually reduced over 5–10 days, then defect closed.
      • Repair:
        • Intestines inspected for damage (e.g., atresia, perforation); damaged segments resected if needed.
        • Intestines returned to abdomen manually or via silo reduction.
        • Abdominal wall closed with sutures; synthetic patch (e.g., Gore-Tex) used for large defects (rare).
      • Umbilicus: Often reconstructed for cosmetic outcome.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Silo bag: Temporarily houses intestines (staged closure).
      • Fine sutures: Closes defect.
      • Sterile drapes: Maintains asepsis.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 3–8 weeks (NICU).
    • Care: Mechanical ventilation (if needed, 1–7 days); feeding via total parenteral nutrition (TPN) initially.
    • Pain management: Mild to moderate pain for 3–7 days; managed with IV analgesics (e.g., fentanyl).
    • Instructions: Monitor for bowel function (first stool); gradual introduction of oral feeding.

Recovery After Gastroschisis Repair

  1. Hospital Stay: 3–8 weeks (NICU).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Ventilation: Often required for 1–7 days, depending on respiratory status.
    • Feeding: TPN for 2–6 weeks; oral feeding starts once bowel function returns (2–4 weeks, confirmed by stool passage).
    • Pain/Swelling: Mild to moderate pain for 3–7 days; incision swelling resolves in 1–2 weeks.
    • Bowel function: May be delayed (ileus); motility improves over weeks.
    • Activity: Normal infant activities once off TPN; avoid pressure on abdomen.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
    • Ultrasound: At 1–3 months to check for bowel obstruction.
    • Developmental assessment: At 6–12 months for milestones (e.g., feeding, growth).

Full recovery varies; most leave NICU in 4–8 weeks, but feeding and growth may take months. Survival rate: 90–95% with modern care; outcomes depend on bowel condition and associated anomalies.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Infection (5–10%): At incision site or sepsis; treated with antibiotics.
    • Bleeding (2–5%): Intra-abdominal bleeding; may need transfusion.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to general anesthesia; rare in stable infants.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Bowel obstruction (5–15%): Due to adhesions or atresia; may need surgery.
    • Wound dehiscence (2–5%): Abdominal closure opens; needs re-suturing.
    • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC, 3–5%): Bowel inflammation; managed with antibiotics or surgery.
    • Short bowel syndrome (1–3%): If significant bowel resected; needs long-term nutritional support.
  • Long-Term:
    • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD, 20–30%): Managed with medication.
    • Growth delays (10–20%): Due to feeding issues; needs nutritional support.
    • Hernia (5–10%): At repair site; may need surgery later.

Report fever, vomiting, poor feeding, or abdominal distension promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes gastroschisis?

Unknown; likely multifactorial (genetic, environmental); associated with young maternal age (<20 years).

Can I avoid gastroschisis repair?

No, surgery is necessary to protect intestines and enable feeding; non-surgical care only stabilizes pre-surgery.

Is gastroschisis repair painful?

Mild to moderate pain for 3–7 days, managed with IV analgesics; infants recover with proper care.

How soon can my child resume normal feeding?

Oral feeding: 2–4 weeks (after bowel function returns); normal feeding patterns may take months.

Is gastroschisis repair covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for congenital defects; confirm with your provider; Ayushman Bharat often subsidizes.

Signs of complications?

Fever, vomiting, poor feeding, or abdominal distension.

Will my child have normal growth and development?

90–95% survive; most achieve normal growth with time, but feeding challenges and GERD are common—needs ongoing care.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Monitor feeding, manage GERD, attend follow-ups (growth, development), and watch for bowel issues.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Gastroschisis Repair

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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