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Recovery Time for Gastroschisis Surgery

Gastroschisis surgery is necessary to repair a potentially life-threatening birth defect which causes intestines (occasionally other nearby organs) to bulge out of an opening in your baby's abdomen. According to Seattle Children's Hospital, gastroschisis affects approximately one or two out of every 10,000 babies.

  1. Gastroschisis Facts

    • Gastroschisis can usually be identified on ultrasounds performed during pregnancy. While your baby is in your uterus, your doctor will monitor him closely and you will need to give birth at a hospital equipped with a neonatal intensive care unit.

    Surgical Risks

    • Risks of gastroschisis surgery include bleeding, blood clots, infection, injury to the abdominal organs, inflammation of the abdominal wall, digestion problems (if your baby has extensive small intestine damage) and breathing problems (which occur if the space in the abdomen is smaller than normal).

    Timeframe for Feeding Baby After Surgery

    • After surgery, your baby will be monitored in the NICU. It may take several weeks or even months after surgery for your baby to begin to tolerate feedings, particularly if the bowel muscles are not functioning effectively.

    The Healing Process

    • Once doctors see that your baby's intestines begin functioning after the operation, feedings will be given through an NG (nasogastric) tube which runs from your baby's nose to his stomach. If this is tolerated well, your baby will slowly begin taking feedings by mouth.

    Length of the Hospital Stay

    • Once your baby can eat by mouth, he is ready to go home. According to Memorial Health System, the average length of your baby's hospital stay ranges from several weeks to as long as four months, depending on the severity of the condition and if there are any complications after surgery.

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