gastroschisis

Key facts

Medical condition (new).name: Gastroschisis
Medical condition (new).image: File:Gastroschisis-web.jpg
Medical condition (new).caption: CDC illustration of a baby with gastroschisis
Medical condition (new).field: General surgery, medical genetics
Medical condition (new).symptoms: Intestines extend outside of the body through a hole next to the belly button
Medical condition (new).complications: Feeding problems, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction
Medical condition (new).onset: During early development
Medical condition (new).causes: Unknown
Medical condition (new).risks: Mother who smokes, drinks alcohol, or is younger than 20
Medical condition (new).diagnosis: Ultrasound during pregnancy, based on symptom at birth
Medical condition (new).differential

Article

10 sections

Contents

Signs and symptoms
Causes
Pathophysiology
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Epidemiology
See also
References
External links

Gastroschisis is a birth defect in which the baby's intestines extend outside of the abdomen through a hole next to the belly button. The size of the hole is variable, and other organs including the stomach and liver may also occur outside the baby's body. Complications may include feeding problems, prematurity, intestinal atresia, and intrauterine growth restriction.

The cause is typically unknown. Rates are higher in babies born to mothers who smoke, drink alcohol, or are younger than 20 years old. Ultrasounds during pregnancy may make the diagnosis. Otherwise, diagnosis occurs at birth. It differs from omphalocele in that there is no covering membrane over the intestines.