Gastroschisis

Any parent who faces the traumatic experience of having his or her child diagnosed with a birth defect usually responds emotionally. While this primary response is expected and natural, it should be followed with a determination to gain enough knowledge about the infant’s condition to make informed medical decisions possible. Gastroschisis is a birth defect that involves a hole in the abdominal wall near the navel through which the child’s bowels protrude. Often the condition is visible in ultrasounds or detected through prenatal blood tests in the second trimester, giving the doctor a chance to monitor the baby’s condition and allowing the parents time to educate themselves and plan treatment. Gastroschisis is usually quite treatable. Surgery soon after birth often corrects gastroschisis, but there are two approaches.

The preferred method of correcting gastroschisis is primary repair surgery soon after birth. The protruding bowels are coaxed back through the hole into the abdominal cavity, and the opening is sutured. This method reduces the chance of infection and loss of fluid. The other approach to correcting gastroschisis is a staged repair. This is necessary when the exposed bowels are irritated and swollen, and the abdominal cavity is too small. In this method, a plastic covering called “silo” is placed over the protrusion. This is reduced every day until the skin surface is level, and the hole can simply be sutured closed. There are more risks involved in a staged repair, as contamination and loss of body heat are issues. With both procedures, intravenous feeding and sometimes the use of a ventilator are common.

While visually unsettling, gastroschisis can be effectively treated. Early detection is common, making the chances of success higher, as mother and child are carefully watched for distress. Parents who arm themselves with information about gastroschisis are better prepared for the appearance of their infant’s defect and are ready to act more confidently in the face of medical decisions. If you have received a diagnosis of gastroschisis for your infant, arm yourself with knowledge. You will be grateful you took the time.