Gastroschisis Repair
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Gastroschisis repair is surgery to put your baby's intestines and any other organs back into his or her abdomen. The opening in your baby's abdominal muscles will be closed, if possible. Your baby may have surgery soon after he or she is born. Your baby may have surgery within 3 to 10 days after birth if he or she is not strong enough when he or she is born or if the opening is large. During the time your baby waits to get stronger, a device called a silo may be used to help move his or her intestines back into his or her abdomen. Surgery is then used to close your baby's abdomen.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call 911 if:
- Your baby is not breathing or has breathing problems or wheezing.
- Your baby's skin or nails are blue.
Seek care immediately if:
- Your baby has a fever.
- Your baby has green or yellow vomit.
- Your baby's abdomen is swollen.
- Your baby has constipation, blood in his or her bowel movement, or loses weight.
- Your baby has apnea (periods of not breathing).
Contact your baby's healthcare provider if:
- Your baby has fewer bowel movements than usual or has feeding problems.
- Your baby is irritable, cries often, or is fussy.
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be given to prevent a bacterial infection or to reduce pain. Ask your baby's healthcare provider how to give pain medicine correctly.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your baby's healthcare provider as directed:
Your baby will need ongoing tests to check his or her growth and development. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Care for your baby:
Healthcare providers will show you how to handle, dress, and bathe your baby. They will show you how to change your baby's diapers and care for his or her incision wound. Your baby may need to use a nasogastric (NG) tube or a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube at home for nutrition. Healthcare providers will teach you how to give feedings through the NG or PEG tube. You will learn signs of problems to watch for, such as breathing problems, diarrhea, or constipation.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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