Abdominal Wall Defects

Anarchywolf46 · #1 ● 03-18-2010, 11:53 AM

Gastroschisis and Omphalocele

"Gastroschisis (sometimes called "laparoschisis") means the presence of a hole in the abdominal wall of the fetus, through which loops of intestines (and sometimes stomach, liver and other organs) protrude. The term only applies to those conditions where the hole is located to the side of the umbilicus (umbilical cord); practically speaking, this hole is almost always to the left of the umbilical cord. Gastroschisis is not the same as Omphalocele, which refers to a hole in the abdominal wall in the belly button. Although both conditions appear the same (intestines protruding outside the abdomen), each condition has its own features." - http://bms.brown.edu/pedisurg/Fetal/Gastroschisis.html

"Omphalocele (sometimes called "exomphalos") refers to a condition in the fetus whereby some abdominal contents (small and/or large intestine, stomach, and even liver) protrude through a hole in the abdominal wall. Unlike in gastroschisis, the hole is in the middle of the abdomen, right where the belly button would be. Instead, there is a variable size defect (hole) covered by a membrane (which somewhat protects the exteriorized organs). The umbilical cord of the fetus inserts at the top of this membrane, rather than on the abdomen itself. Although both omphalocele and gastroschisis appear the same (intestines protruding outside the abdomen), each condition has its own features." - http://bms.brown.edu/pedisurg/Fetal/Omphalocele.html