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Both abnormalities are obvious at birth and may influence how a baby digests food. In both circumstances, a doctor will conduct surgery to realign the intestines and any other damaged organs.
Symptoms
Omphalocele and gastroschisis have a common feature. In both cases, a baby's intestines protrude from a hole in the belly. In certain situations, additional organs, such as the liver or stomach, protrude through the opening.There are significant differences between these two diseases:- Hole in the belly button
- Intestines covered by a protective sac
- Hole next to the belly button
- Intestines not covered by a protective sac
Omphalocele
Babies with omphaloceles have a hole in their belly button. The intestines and other exposed organs are covered by a translucent, membrane sac. This sac protects a baby's organs from the amniotic fluid that surrounds them in the womb.During the early stages of pregnancy, the intestines and other internal organs often stretch from the abdomen into the umbilical cord. Usually, by the 11th week of pregnancy, the organs have retreated within the belly. Omphalocele develop when organs fail to return to the abdomen.Gastroschisis
Gastroschisis occurs when there is an issue with the abdominal wall. In this situation, a hole occurs near the belly button, enabling the intestines to pass through. The hole might be tiny or huge. Usually, the hole is located on the right side of the belly button.The lack of a protective sac to shield the exposed organs in gastroschisis is another important difference. This indicates that amniotic fluid might irritate the intestines. They might become bloated or twisted.Causes
The causes of gastroschisis and omphalocele are not well known. Researchers think the disorders arise from aberrant mutations in genes or chromosomes. Some of these alterations may result from exposure to environmental pollutants or drugs. Further study is required to further understand the reasons.If you are pregnant and are worried about being exposed to anything that might damage your unborn child, see your doctor. They may advise you on any tests you should have throughout your pregnancy or problems to be tested for after delivery. Your doctor may also refer you to a genetic counsellor who can help you understand the dangers.Risk Factors
It is unclear why some mothers give birth to infants with gastroschisis or omphalocele. According to the research, adolescent moms are more likely to have a child with gastroschisis than older mothers.Researchers found additional risks for omphalocele. This includes:- Consuming alcohol or smoking regularly
- Using antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Pregnancy-related obesity
Diagnosis
An ultrasound during pregnancy may generally detect the aberrant placement of the organs in both omphalocele and gastroschisis. These disorders commonly appear in a woman's second or third trimester. An ultrasound is a painless and noninvasive imaging procedure. It employs sound waves to generate both moving and steady images of the interior of the body.Your doctor can ask for foetal echocardiography to check for cardiac issues if they find that your child has gastroschisis or omphalocele. An echocardiography is an ultrasound of the heart. Your doctor, a neonatologist, a paediatric surgeon, and the rest of your healthcare team will help you develop a plan for a safe pregnancy and birth.A neonatologist is a doctor who specialises in caring for newborns. Knowing early on that your baby will be born with an abdominal wall defect will help ensure that treatment begins as soon as feasible.You will get frequent ultrasounds and blood testing throughout your pregnancy. An unexpected result on a routine blood test may prompt your doctor to seek for signs of an abdominal wall defect or another birth abnormality.Treatment
Both problems need surgery to reposition the organs inside the baby's abdomen. If the hole is tiny and just a small portion of the intestines is pushing through, the procedure may be performed shortly after delivery.If there is a wider breach that exposes more of the intestines and other organs, treatment may include many surgeries. The procedures would be performed in phases over a period of time. When the organs are properly positioned within the belly, the hole closes.In addition to the size of the hole, the baby's age influences when and how to operate. A preterm infant may need to wait until they are larger and stronger before having surgery.Typically, treatment involves administering nutrition and water to the newborn via an IV. Antibiotics are frequently used to help prevent infection. Care also involves monitoring the baby's body temperature and reheating them as required.Complications
Many babies with omphalocele or gastroschisis have additional birth abnormalities, including congenital heart problems, for unknown reasons. Other birth abnormalities may have an impact on how the abdominal wall problem is treated.Because some of the organs developed on the outside of the baby's body, the area within the abdomen that ordinarily houses those organs may not have expanded enough. In neonates with omphaloceles, infection is possible if the sac around the organs ruptures. There might potentially be issues with one or more of the exposed organs. An organ may develop unnaturally, be twisted, and have a restricted blood supply, which may be harmful to its health.Despite potential risks, surgical therapy for gastroschisis and omphalocele is often effective, with no long-term health consequences. Babies born with any of these diseases are smaller than typical and may take longer to develop. It may take some time for them to develop good eating habits and a fully functional digestive system. With adequate post-surgery care, these newborns can catch up with their classmates.Other birth abnormalities are more likely in newborns with these illnesses, so your doctor should look for problems with the heart and other organs, as well as genetic or chromosomal issues.FAQs on Gastroschisis vs. Omphalocele: Understanding These Abdominal Wall Defects:
- What is the difference between omphalocele and gastroschisis?Gastroschisis and omphalocele are birth abnormalities in which your baby's abdominal organs are outside of their body. The distinction is that an omphalocele diagnosis involves a membrane covering your baby's organs, while gastroschisis does not.
- What is the location of gastroschisis?The opening is often located on the right side of the baby's belly button. It may be enormous or small, but it usually measures between one and two inches. In more severe situations, the stomach and/or liver may also pass through the incision because the bowel is outside of the baby's body and is not protected.