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Gastroschisis Wikipedia

Gastroschisis is a herniation (displacement) of the intestines through a congenital defect of the abdominal wall on one side of the umbilical cord. It is similar to an omphalocele in appearance. An omphalocele, however, is a herniation of the abdominal contents through the umbilical cord, and is covered with a sac, while gastroschisis is a herniation through the abdominal wall (usually to the right of the umbilical cord), which does not involve the cord. In addition, in gastroschisis, the intestines (bowels) are exposed.

As in omphaloceles, the abdominal cavity may be small and replacement of the bowel into the cavity may require several weeks in which the abdominal cavity is gently stretched to accommodate the mass.

• Lump in the abdomen

Physical examination of the infant is sufficient for the health care provider to diagnose gastroschisis. The mother may have shown signs indicating excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios). Prenatal ultrasonography often identifies the gastroschisis.

Genetic counseling and further genetic testing, such as amniocentesis, may be offered during the pregnancy as some abdominal wall defects are associated with genetic disorders. If there is no additional genetic problems or birth defects, surgery soon after birth can often repair the opening.

The bowel is surgically replaced in the abdomen and the defect closed if there is adequate room. If the abdominal cavity is too small, a mesh sack is sutured around the margins of the abdominal defect and the edges of the defect are pulled up. Gravity draws the herniated intestine back into the abdominal cavity, slowly stretching it to the point where the defect can be closed.

The baby is given intravenous nutrition, and antibiotics due to unavoidable contamination by the exposed gut. Temperature regulation is extremely important in these infants because the exposed intestine provides a huge surface area for heat loss.

Likelihood of recovery is good if the abdominal cavity is relatively large enough. A very small abdominal cavity may result in complications requiring additional surgery.

• Respiratory distress (the misplaced abdominal contents can cause difficulty with expansion of the lungs)

Last Modified:   2005-12-23