Definition of Gastroschisis

Gastroschisis is a type of birth defect in newborns that occurs in approximately one out of every 5,000 to 10,000 births, according to the Gastroschisis Support Group. Babies with gastroschisis require surgery to correct the problem.

Identification

• Gastroschisis is a condition where a baby's intestines protrude through the body and are visible on either side of the infant's belly button.

Symptoms

• Sometimes gastrochisis only presents as a noticeable lump in the abdomen. During pregnancy, some mothers carrying a baby with gastrochisis have increased amounts of amniotic fluid.

Diagnosis

• In most cases, doctors immediately spot gastroschisis because the intestines are actually visible on the outside of the body. Often, the gastrochisis is seen on an ultrasound before the baby is born and doctors are prepared to treat the condition.

Treatment

• If there is enough space in the abdomen, a doctor places the bowel inside and closes up the hole the intestines escaped through. In cases where there is not enough room inside of the abdomen, doctors cover the intestines and the defect in mesh and pull the intestines in as far as possible, where they remain until the abdomen stretches and grows enough for the intestines to be re-inserted.

Complications

• In cases where there is enough room for the bowel to be re-inserted, infants recover quickly and usually do not suffer any long term health concerns, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Other infants with gastrochisis may develop breathing problems or suffer bowel conditions.