Prenatal coverage of experimental gastroschisis with a collagen scaffold to protect the bowel.

Background/purpose: In fetuses with gastroschisis, toxic products in the amniotic fluid and constriction at the defect of the abdominal wall are considered causative of damage to the eviscerated bowel. The aim of this study was to cover the eviscerated bowel in gastroschisis with a collagen scaffold to protect the bowel and induce cell growth into the scaffold, which could lead to skin or abdominal wall formation replacing the scaffold.

Methods: In 12 fetal lambs gastroschisis was surgically created at 79 days gestation. A dual-layer type I collagen scaffold was sutured into the skin of the abdominal wall around the defect covering the eviscerated bowel. Lambs were examined after caesarean section at 140 days' gestation.

Results: Survival was 67%. In 7 of 8 surviving lambs the bowel was found to be covered after birth. One scaffold had ruptured. The bowel was found repositioned in the abdominal cavity in 5 lambs. In 2 lambs it was still partially outside. Only minor adherence of bowel loops and no fibrous peel formation were seen. Connective tissue and skin tissue replaced the scaffold.

Conclusions: Prenatal coverage of the bowel in experimental gastroschisis with a collagen scaffold is feasible in fetal lambs, significantly diminished damage to the bowel wall, and skin and connective tissue replaced the scaffold. This technique may be promising in the care of fetuses with this congenital anomaly.