General Information About Gastroschisis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a condition where the baby's intestines (and sometimes other abdominal organs) protrude and remain exposed outside the abdomen through a congenital opening just to the right of the belly button.
In an omphalocele, the protruding organs are enclosed in a thin protective membrane (sac) and are inside the umbilical cord. In gastroschisis, the intestines are completely bare, directly exposed to the amniotic fluid without a protective membrane.
There is no definitive cause; it is an embryological developmental error. Motherhood at a young age (under 20), smoking/alcohol use, or the use of certain medications during pregnancy increase the risk of this anomaly.
Yes. Early diagnosis is easily made by visualizing the intestines outside the abdomen during routine obstetric ultrasounds, usually performed between the 14th and 18th weeks of pregnancy.
The baby must absolutely be born in a fully equipped center with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and pediatric surgery. A cesarean section is often preferred to prevent damage to the intestines.
As soon as the baby is born, the exposed intestines are placed in a sterile bag. If the abdominal cavity is large enough, all the intestines are pushed inside, and the abdomen is sutured in the first surgery. If the abdomen is too tight, the organs are suspended in a special silo and gradually (over days) eased into the abdomen by gravity.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
