Gastroschisis is a birth defect that leaves an abnormal opening in a fetus' abdominal wall, usually to the right of his umbilicus. The fetus' small intestine and part of his large intestine are outside his body in the amniotic fluid.

Types

According to the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP), there are two treatment approaches for gastroschisis repair after the baby is born: an immediate primary repair and a staged repair approach.

Features

During a primary repair, the surgeon places the infant's bowels back into her abdomen and closes the hole in the abdominal wall. For a staged repair, the surgeon puts the exposed bowel loops into a protective covering known as a silo. He removes part of the silo every day until the bowel is level with the baby's skin, and then takes the baby to the OR to close the abdominal wall.

Considerations

A surgeon evaluates the condition of the exposed portion of the infant's bowel to determine the correct approach. For example, CHOP says, it may not be possible to do a primary repair on a baby's bowels if they're too inflamed and enlarged because of exposure to amniotic fluid.

Significance

When possible, the surgeon will choose the primary repair because there is less risk of fluid loss and infection.

Tip

Because untreated gastroschisis often leads to feeding problems, surgeons like to do the surgical repair as soon as possible.

Source:

Gastroschisis

More Information:

Cincinnati Hospital Children's Medical Center: Gastroschisis