Gastroschisis

Intestines outside of the body

Overview

Gastroschisis is a condition in which a baby’s intestines protrude outside the body because of a hole in the abdominal wall. It is a birth defect that can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms

A baby born with gastroschisis will show the following signs and symptoms:

Dehydration

Low Body Temperature

Gallbladder Sticking Out

Stomach Sticking Out

Causes

Gastroschisis can be caused due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is most likely to occur for the following reasons:

Diagnosis

Other than regular physical examination, a doctor may diagnose gastroschisis before the baby is born with the help of the following tests:

Prenatal Ultrasound

Blood Tests

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment right away if any worrisome symptoms appear.

Treatment

Gastroschisis can only be treated after birth. Surgery is required to treat gastroschisis and ensure the baby’s survival. This is performed by arranging the intestines in a bag called ‘silo’ so that they may shrink to normal size and slowly move back into the belly. It can take 3-4 days and even longer. During this time, the baby gets IV feeding until the intestines heal and antibiotics are administered to prevent infection.

Surgeons at Curadors have successfully performed several such procedures over a period of 15 years. Our partnered facility, Maroof International Hospital has state-of-the-art operation theaters equipped with the world’s most advanced equipment to provide the best quality treatment to our patients.

Risks, Complications & Preventions

Mothers who consume excessive ibuprofen are at a higher risk of having babies with gastroschisis. It is advised that the mother takes essential vitamins and avoids smoking and drinking during pregnancy to prevent such birth defects. Babies born with gastroschisis survive if they receive correct and timely treatment. Apart from surgery, it is important to administer nutrients through an IV line, give antibiotics for preventing infection, and monitor the body temperature to facilitate the recovery process.