Gastroschisis Repair Technique using Autologous Umbilical Cord Flap in a Resource Limited Setup: Case Series

The commonly used surgical methods of gastroschisis repair are operative fascial closure (primary closure), silo application (staged closure), or sutureless closure technique, adapted accordingly to different scenario. This case series presents an initial experience of gastroschisis repair method with an under-reported surgical technique that can be adapted for the repair of gastroschisis in a resource limited setup. The umbilical flap cover is a reasonable method, seems to have favourable results that can render an autograft like covering to exposed visceral organs. This method does not increase the intra-abdominal pressure and also providing a better compliant environment for the growth of the abdominal space. Eight cases have been managed with this technique during the last 4 to 5 years, out of which seven are under follow-up, with age ranging from two months to four years. Umbilical flap harvested from the native umbilical cord is a readily available autologous tissue with an abundance of Wharton’s jelly and stem cells.