What is Gastroschisis?

A rare intestinal disorder affecting 1 out of every 5,000 births is known as Gastroschisis. This disorder is typically discovered during pregnancy during routine testing. It is a disorder where the intestines grow outside the fetus’s body in the amniotic fluid. Close follow up is needed throughout the pregnancy as well as through delivery. It is a disorder that can be treated with surgery that is usually initiated soon after birth. With close follow up and speedy treatment the prognosis is good for babies born with this condition.

What is Gastroschisis?

Gastroschisis is a rare intestinal birth defect where a tear in the abdominal wall allows the small and large intestines to grow outside of the fetus’s body freely inside the amniotic fluid. This opening is typically two inches in diameter and is usually located near the navel.

How is Gastroschisis Diagnosed?

Gastroschisis is diagnosed while the fetus is still in the mother’s womb early in pregnancy. It is typically discovered after AFP testing comes back abnormal and a detailed ultrasound either level II or II is ordered. It can be detected as early as the 14th week via ultrasound.

What Causes Gastroschisis?

During the early stages of fetal development, the stomach, liver, and intestines move towards the outside of the body. In normal fetal development, as growth continues these organs are pulled inward as the abdominal wall would form around them. In Gastroschisis, this wall does not happen. No one seems to know why this happens. For some reason, babies born to younger mothers are more at risk for this condition.

Arrangement for Delivery

If you have giving birth to a baby with Gastroschisis you will need to deliver in a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit. Many times baby’s with Gastroschisis are delivered via Cesarean section at approximately 36 weeks of gestation. The baby should be delivered once the lungs are mature, typically around 36 weeks. The baby will need to have surgery 12-24 hours from delivery, or when the baby is stable enough to withstand surgery.

Treatment of Gastroschisis

The surgical treatment of Gastroschisis depends upon the size of the defect. If the defect is small the procedure can be corrected in one surgery. If it is a larger defect or if the baby is not stable then the surgery would be completed in stages completed every 3-5 days.

The outlook for babies born with this condition is very good. There are a few things you should look out for though. A condition known as short gut may develop if the intestine was damaged or if direct contact with amniotic fluid occurred. Signs of this condition include diarrhea, slow weight gain, or vitamin deficiencies. Babies born with Gastroschisis will be followed closely by the surgeon and pediatric gastroenterologist.