Gastroschisis is a birth defect where the baby's intestines protrude outside of the abdominal wall near the umbilical cord. The cause is unknown but it occurs more often in younger mothers under 30. Diagnosis is usually made during physical examination after birth. Treatment involves surgery to return the intestines to the abdominal cavity and close the defect. With treatment, recovery is good though complications can include breathing issues or bowel death in rare cases.

1. Gastroschisis
Budi Ikhsan, dr

2. What is gastroschisis?
• An opening in the abdominal wall through
which the internal organs push outside of
the baby's body
• Usually on the right side of the umbilical
cord
• The child's intestines can be easily seen

4. Causes
• It occurs in approximately 1 out of every
5,000 births
• The cause of gastroschisis is unknown, but
it is associated with younger maternal age
and almost never occurs in mothers over 30
years of age
• It is not related to anything the mother ate
or did during pregnancy

5. Symptoms
• Lump in the abdomen
• Intestine sticks through the abdominal wall
near the umbilical cord
• Problems with movement and absorption in
the gut due to the unprotected intestine
being exposed to irritating amniotic fluid

6. Exams and Tests
• Physical examination of the infant is
sufficient for the health care provider to
diagnose gastroschisis
• The mother may have shown signs
indicating excessive amniotic fluid (
polyhydramnios)
• Prenatal ultrasonography often identifies the
gastroschisis

9. Treatment
• If identified before birth, mothers with
gastroschisis need special monitoring to
make sure the unborn baby remains and
healthy
• Plans should be made for careful delivery
and immediate management of the problem
after birth

10. Treatment
• Treatment for gastroschisis is surgery. A surgeon
will put the bowel back into the abdomen and
close the defect, if possible
• If the abdominal cavity is too small, a mesh sack is
stitched around the borders of the defect and the
edges of the defect are pulled up
• Over time, the herniated intestine falls back into
the abdominal cavity, and the defect can be closed

14. Treatment
• Other treatments for the baby include
nutrients by IV and antibiotics to prevent
infection
• The baby's temperature must be carefully
controlled, since the exposed intestine
allows a lot of body heat to escape

15. Outlook (Prognosis)
• Likelihood of recovery is good if the
abdominal cavity is relatively large enough
• A very small abdominal cavity may result
in complications requiring additional
surgery

16. Possible Complications
• The misplaced abdominal contents can
make it difficult for the baby to expand the
lungs, leading to breathing problems
• Bowel death is another complication

17. Thank you