Gastroschisis
Overview
Gastroschisis is a rare birth defect that occurs early in development, where the intestinal contents remain outside of the fetus’ body, leaving an unusual hole in the baby’s abdominal wall. The baby’s bowel (intestines), stomach and sometimes other organs, such as their liver, develop outside of the body. As the baby grows in their mother, the bowel can become irritated, damaged or swollen. If your baby has this condition, they will need surgery very soon after birth to repair it. Most babies born with gastroschisis do not have any other health conditions.
Symptoms of Gastroschisis
As long as a mom has regular prenatal check-ups throughout her pregnancy, her obstetrician can diagnose this condition before the baby’s birth. An ultrasound image will show the baby’s bowel developing outside the abdomen by week 18 to 20 of pregnancy.
When to see a doctor after surgery
If your baby has any trouble feeding or difficulty moving their bowels, contact your child’s doctor immediately.
Causes of Gastroschisis
The causes of gastroschisis are unknown
Who’s at risk
There are no known risk factors for this condition. Gastroschisis does not seem to run in families
Diagnosis of Gastroschisis
In almost all cases, doctors can diagnose gastroschisis before birth on a prenatal (pregnancy) ultrasound. If your obstetrician believes your baby has gastroschisis, you may need to undergo the following additional tests before your baby’s birth:
Consultations with a high-risk pregnancy care team. You may need to meet with a high-risk pregnancy care team. This team can include a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist, pediatric surgeon and neonatologist.
Fetal echocardiogram (ECG). This imaging test uses sound waves to check the function of your baby’s heart. The maternal-fetal medical specialists at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies perform this test with consultants from our Fetal Care Clinic.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This imaging test uses magnetic fields to create detailed pictures of the inside of your baby’s developing body.
Treatments for Gastroschisis
If your child has gastroschisis, they will need surgery to repair it shortly after birth, as a baby cannot survive with the bowel outside their body. Sometimes babies with gastroschisis have too much of their bowel and organs outside of their body. In that case, the organs may need to be placed in a bag suspended above your baby’s bed so gravity can help ease the bowel into their belly. This procedure is called a silo and serves as protection from infection and to manage organ temperature. Each day, your baby’s bowel will slowly be moved into their belly, and eventually, they will have the hole in their belly closed.
If only a small amount of their bowel and organs are outside the body, surgery will involve placing the intestines back inside the baby’s body and repairing the hole. Your baby may need antibiotics to prevent infection during their early weeks of life.
Most babies with gastroschisis will temporarily stay in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to ensure their intestines are functioning well after surgery. It may take several weeks before your baby can eat by mouth. They may need IV nutrition (through their veins) for several weeks.
Hospital care
In the first few weeks of life, your baby will likely need intravenous (IV) feeding. Your baby’s neonatal care team will provide specific instructions and support for this process. At around three to four weeks of age, babies usually transition to breast milk or formula. Your child’s surgeon will provide special post-surgical care instructions.
Contact Us
If you suspect that your child may have Gastroschisis, make an appointment with an Orlando Health pediatrician today so your child can start on the road to improved health.
