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 weeks 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 mesh 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. This condition is apparent at birth and will be detected in the hospital at delivery. It may also be detected on routine fetal ultrasound exams. The bowel protrudes through the opening, and has been covered with a wet gauze dressing to help maintain the infant's body temperature and fluids. This birth defect requires prompt surgical treatment.