Twenty-five newborn infants were treated for gastroschisis between 1971 and 1979 at the Eugene Talmadge Memorial Hospital. Primary closure of the defect was accomplished in 17 patients and eight required staged procedures with Silon. The overall mortality rate was 32 per cent. The major causes of death were related to the status of the bowel at the initial procedure as well as weight and body temperature on admission. Respiratory function was not influenced by the type of repair. Since gut dysfunction in the postoperative period is likely to be prolonged, total parenteral nutrition continues to play a major role in survival.