Gastroschisis is a birth defect of the abdominal wall that involves the incomplete closure of the abdominal muscles and skin. It is one of the most common surgical problems arising in infants, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Management of the condition in limited-resource countries is often complicated, with much higher mortality rates than those found in wealthier countries.
The present case involved a newborn with a very large gastroschisis where the surgical procedure to close the abdominal wall was carried out using umbilical tissue. Although this technique has not been used before in limited-resource settings, it seems to be a viable, low-cost solution to the problem, particularly in order to reduce the risk of infection and of the main potential complication: abdominal compartment syndrome, which consists of increased intra-abdominal pressure and the consequent impairment of the functioning of the abdominal organs.