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Gastroschisis repair

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Abdominal wall defect repair

Risks:

The baby's abdomen may be smaller than normal. Placing the abdominal organs into the abdomen increases the pressure within the area and may cause breathing difficulties. The infant may need a breathing tube and breathing machine (ventilator) for a few days or weeks.

Other risks of major abdominal surgery include peritonitis and temporary paralysis of the small bowel.

If a large part of the small bowel is damaged, the infant may develop short bowel syndrome and have problems digesting and absorbing nutrients from feedings.

• Review Date: 7/14/2006
• Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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