Fifty cases of gastroschisis were treated at the Hôpital des Enfants Malades from 1960 to 1976. Up to 1973, 90% of the babies died. From 1974-1976, 17 infants were treated and 10 (59%) were cured. The authors emphasise the importance of intravenous feeding, the prevention of infections and intensive respiratory care. Complete intestinal ileus for more than one month is associated with a bad prognosis. The use of drugs and further surgery in this situation in discussed.