Evaluation of histological changes after tracheal occlusion at different gestational ages in a fetal rat model.

Objectives: To evaluate the histological changes of tracheal cartilage and epithelium caused by tracheal occlusion at different gestational ages in a fetal rat model.

Methods: Rat fetuses were divided into two groups: a) External control, composed of non-operated rats, and b) Interventional group, composed of rats operated upon on gestational day 18.5 (term = 22 days), divided into triads: 1) Tracheal occlusion, 2) Internal control and 3) Sham (manipulated but not operated).

Monitoring intravesical pressure during gastroschisis closure. Does it help to decide between delayed primary or staged closure?

Introduction And Objective: Correction of gastroschisis may be accomplished by either primary or staged closure or even delayed primary closure after the use of a preformed silo. However, there is neither a consensus on the best approach nor established criteria to favor one method over the other. The aim of this paper was to investigate the role of intravesical pressure (IVP) as a tool to prevent abdominal compartment syndrome in newborns undergoing correction of abdominal wall defects.