Gastroschisis
Definition
Gastroschisis is a birth defect in which an infant's intestines stick out of the body through a defect on one side of the umbilical cord.
Causes
Gastroschisis is a type of hernia. Hernia means "rupture.” Babies with this condition have a hole in the abdominal wall, usually on the right side of the umbilical cord. The child's intestines can be easily seen.
The condition is similar to an omphalocele in appearance. An omphalocele, however, is a birth defect in which the infant's intestine or other abdominal organs stick out of the belly button area.
Other associated congenital defects are rare in patients with gastroschisis.
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