A Gastroschisis is similar to an omphalocele in appearance. As in omphalocele, the abdominal cavity may be small and replacement of the bowel into the cavity may require several days in which the abdominal cavity is gently stretched to accommodate the mass. The bowel is surgically replaced in the abdomen and the defect closed if there is adequate room. If the abdominal cavity is too small, a sack is sutured around the margins of the abdominal defect and the edges of the defect are pulled up. Gravity draws the herniated intestine back into the abdominal cavity, slowly stretching it to the point where the defect can be closed.
Recovery is good if the abdominal cavity is relatively large enough.
A very small abdominal cavity may result in complications requiring additional surgery. As always, feel free to contact us with any question that you have. We would be happy to answer it for you.