Gastroschisis is a congenital defect of the abdominal wall. 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
• Intestine protruding through the abdominal wall near the umbilical cord (navel)
• The unprotected intestine is exposed to irritating amniotic fluid, and as a result, gut motility and absorption may be affected.
• Fortunately, other associated congenital defects are rare in patients with gastroschisis.

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

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