A "plastic" sutureless abdominal wall closure in gastroschisis.

Background/purpose: Several techniques are described for closure of the gastroschisis abdominal wall defect. The authors describe a technique that allows for spontaneous closure that is simple, cosmetically appealing, and minimizes intraabdominal pressure after bowel reduction.

Methods: Under either general anesthetic or analgesia with sedation, the gastroschisis bowel is decompressed, and the bowel is primarily reduced.

Laryngeal mask airway--a novel method of airway protection during ERCP: comparison with endotracheal intubation.

Background: ERCP sometimes requires deep sedation and rarely general anesthesia with airway protection. The laryngeal mask airway device is placed perorally to create a seal over the larynx. Unlike endotracheal intubation, no tube traverses the vocal cords, thus reducing airway stimulation and obviating the need to administer muscle relaxants.