Gastroschisis is a congenital malformation characterized by the complete closure of the abdominal wall, close to the navel, causing the exposure and contact of the intestine with the amniotic fluid, which can cause inflammation and infection, leading to complications for the baby.
Gastrosquia is more common in young mothers who have consumed, such as aspirin or alcohol during pregnancy. This condition can be identified even during pregnancy, thanks to an ultrasound performed during prenatal care, and treatment is initiated immediately after the birth of the baby to prevent complications and promote bowel entry and subsequent closure of the abdominal opening. .
- The main characteristic of gastroschisis is the visualization of the intestine outside the body through an opening near the navel.
- Usually on the right side.
- In addition to the intestine.
- Other organs that are not covered by a membrane can be seen through this opening.
- Increasing the risk of infection and complications.
The main complications of gastroschisis are the non-development of part of the intestine or the breakage of the intestine, as well as the loss of fluids and nutrients for the baby, resulting in insufficient weight.
Gastroschisis and omphalocele are congenital malformations, which can be diagnosed during pregnancy by prenatal ultrasound and are characterized by the outsourcing of the intestine. However, what differs from the gastroschisis of the omphalocele is the fact that in the omphalocele the intestine and organs that may also be outside the abdominal cavity are covered by a thin membrane, while in gastroschisis there is no membrane surrounding the organ.
In addition, in umphalocele, the umbilical cord is compromised and the intestine emerges through an opening in the umbilical, while in gastroschisis the opening is near the umbilical and there is no involvement of the umbilical cord. Understand what an omphalocele is and how it’s treated.
Gastroschisis is a birth defect and can be diagnosed during pregnancy, routine tests or after birth. Among the main causes of gastroschisis are:
It is important that women whose children have been diagnosed with gastroschisis are monitored during pregnancy to be prepared for the baby’s condition, postpartum treatment and possible complications.
Treatment of gastroschisis is done immediately after birth and your doctor usually indicates the use of antibiotics as a means to prevent infections or fight infections already present. In addition, the baby can be placed in a sterilized bag to prevent infection by resistant microorganisms, common in the hospital environment.
If your baby’s abdomen is large enough, your doctor may perform surgery to place the intestine in the abdominal cavity and close the opening. However, when the abdomen is not large enough, the intestine can be protected from infections while the doctor monitors the return of the intestine to the abdominal cavity naturally or until the abdomen has the ability to hold the intestine, performing surgery at that time.