By Susheewa Wichaikull

Gastroschisis

In the womb, fetal intestines develop outside of

the abdomen for a brief time. In normal cases,

the intestines return to the abdominal cavity,

and the baby's abdomen closes before birth.

Gastroschisis

- Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect that

occurs on the side of the umbilical cord (umbilicus).

The baby is born with intestines protruding through

this defect, and no protective sac is present.

Gastroschisis is rarely associated with other birth

- defects. Gastroschisis is a life threatening defect,

requiring immediate intervention.

Before Operation

Artrificial Sac

- Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect that

occurs on the side of the umbilical cord (umbilicus).

The baby is born with intestines protruding through

this defect, and no protective sac is present.

Gastroschisis is rarely associated with other birth

- defects. Gastroschisis is a life threatening defect,

requiring immediate intervention.

Operation

- The infant is cared for post operatively in a

- neonatal intensive care unit. He is placed in an

isolette (incubator) to keep warm and avoid infection.

Oxygen is provided, often through mechanical

ventilation. Intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and

pain medications are also given. A nasogastric tube

is inserted to keep the stomach emptied of gastric

secretions. Feedings through the nasogastric tube

begin as soon as bowel function resumes.

Post Operation

These feedings are approached very slowly, and

often infants are reluctant to eat. They may need

feeding therapy and lots of encouragement.