Surgical management of gastroschisis in North Queensland from 1988 to 2007.

AIM: To review outcomes of gastroschises originating in North Queensland and repaired in the neonatal centre in Townsville from 1988-2007, and compare these outcomes with published data from other centres. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of outcomes after primary operative repair (POR) with wound closure in fascial layers in the theatre, primary non-operative repair (PNOR) with apposition of the umbilical cord and adhesive dressing in the ward, secondary repair (SR) after a silo, and complex repair (CR) of cases with obstruction, perforation or atresiae. Epidemiological data of babies originating in North Queensland but managed in Brisbane were secured from Mater Mothers' Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children. RESULTS: Fifty cases were treated in Townsville: 16 by PNOR, 22 by POR, 6 by SR and 6 by CR. Outcomes of uncomplicated cases treated by PNOR, POR and SR were similar. Outcomes of complicated cases after CR were significantly worse. No significant differences were found between PNOR in Townsvillle and published outcomes after SR from four overseas units. No differences were detected in outcomes of inborn and outborn babies, those delivered by vaginal or caesarean birth or between indigenous and non-indigenous babies. Three (6%) died. Gastroschisis is increasing in North Queensland, particularly in younger mothers. The incidence is 2-3 times higher in indigenous mothers. CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found between PNOR and other techniques for uncomplicated cases. PNOR avoids the use of theatre and staff, reducing delay and cost, and the need to transport a sick baby.

Vibrio cholerae non-O1 facial cellulitis in a North Queensland, Australian child.

Vibrio cholerae is an uncommon cause of cellulitis in Australia. Most reported cases worldwide have involved marine or brackish water contact. A recognized risk factor for acquiring this infection is chronic liver disease secondary to hepatitis B. We describe a case of extensive facial cellulitis caused by Vibrio cholerae non-O1, non-0139, in an 11-year-old indigenous girl from North Queensland, Australia, who was hepatitis B surface antigen-negative. Treatment consisted of extensive debridement, antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen and facial reconstructive surgery. Early microbiologic diagnosis and a combined therapeutic approach are important in the management of this condition.

Meconium thorax: a case report and review of literature.

A case is presented in which extension of meconium peritonitis through muscular defects in the diaphragm lead to intrathoracic calcifications diagnosed sonographically at 23 weeks of gestation. There were three diaphragmatic defects, two small ones corresponded to foramina of Morgagni and one large posterior defect that did not correspond to the foramen of Bochdelak. There were three additional muscular defects: one in the rectus abdominus and two, bilaterally, in the loins. Despite long-standing fetal ascites and fresh intraperitoneal meconium at laparotomy, postoperative progress was uneventful. The baby did not have other dysmorphic features except for a single palmar crease, the chromosomes were normal, and the baby did not have cystic fibrosis. Follow-up examination at 10 months showed a thriving infant with mild hypotonia and developmental delay, but no respiratory or gastrointestinal problems.

Neonatal small bowel atresia, stenosis and segmental dilatation.

In 8 years, 44 neonates were treated for small bowel atresia, stenosis or segmental dilatation by one surgical team. There was a single lesion in 30 infants and 14 had two or more sites of intestinal obstruction. Associated gastrointestinal abnormalities were found in 23 (52 per cent) patients. Resection of the atresia(s) and primary anastomosis were performed in 34 infants and staged procedures were carried out in ten patients with complicated lesions. Patients undergoing staged procedures had a higher complication rate than those having primary repair (six out of ten and 11 out of 34 respectively). The overall initial survival rate was 93 per cent, rising to 100 per cent in those without associated anomalies or prenatal complications, but more than a quarter (27 per cent) of survivors have long-term disabilities.