Once your baby is born, surgery is needed to carefully place the organs back inside the belly. The exact approach and timing will depend on the size of the defect and your baby’s overall health.
In this article:
What is Gastroschisis?
The hole is usually to the right of the belly button. This causes the intestines to stick out and float freely in the amniotic fluid without any protective covering. Because they’re exposed, the intestines can become irritated, swell, or even twist.What is Omphalocele?
The hole is at the belly button itself, and the organs are covered by a thin, transparent sac that protects them from the amniotic fluid. This sac is a key feature that highlights the difference between omphalocele and gastroschisis.Around the 6th to 10th week of pregnancy, it’s normal for a baby’s intestines to extend into the umbilical cord temporarily. By the 11th week, they usually move back into the abdomen. In omphalocele, this doesn’t happen. The intestines, along with other organs like the stomach or liver, stay in the umbilical cord, covered by a protective membrane.
How Do Omphalocele and Gastroschisis Develop?
The exact causes of omphalocele and gastroschisis aren’t fully understood, but they happen early in pregnancy when the abdominal wall doesn’t form properly.Researchers think these defects might be linked to abnormal changes in genes or chromosomes, possibly triggered by environmental factors like toxins or certain medications. However, more studies are needed to pinpoint the causes.
What Are the Risk Factors for Omphalocele and Gastroschisis?
Some factors increase the chances of these conditions:Gastroschisis Risk Factors
- Teenage mothers (under 20 years old) have a higher risk.
- Smoking or using vasoconstrictive drugs during pregnancy may increase the chances.
Omphalocele Risk Factors
- Drinking alcohol or smoking more than a pack of cigarettes daily during pregnancy.
- Taking antidepressant medications called SSRIs while pregnant.
- Being obese during pregnancy.
How Common Are Omphalocele and Gastroschisis?
Both omphalocele and gastroschisis are rare conditions.Take a look at their prevalence rates:
- Gastroschisis: Occurs in 1 of 4,000 live births. Its occurrence seems to be increasing.
- Omphalocele: Reported in approximately 3.38 out of every 10,000 pregnancies.
What Are the Treatment Options for Omphalocele and Gastroschisis?
Both conditions require surgery to place the organs back inside the belly.Here’s how treatment typically works:
1. Immediate Care After Birth
- For gastroschisis, the exposed intestines are covered with a special bag or plastic wrap to protect them until surgery. Surgery is usually urgent and often happens the same day.
- In omphalocele, the sac is gently covered with a sterile dressing. Because the organs are already protected, surgery can sometimes be delayed until your baby is stable.
2. Surgical Options
- Primary repair: If the hole is small and only a small part of the intestines is outside, the surgeon moves the organs back and closes the hole in one procedure. For omphalocele, the sac is removed during this process.
- Staged repair: If the defect is large or the baby’s belly is too small to hold all the organs, a “silo” (a plastic pouch or mesh) is used to hold the organs. The silo is gradually tightened over days or weeks, using gravity to help move the organs back. Once they’re inside, the hole is closed. This might take multiple surgeries.
3. Supportive Care
Babies receive nutrients and fluids through an IV until they can feed normally.Antibiotics help prevent infections.
Body temperature is monitored, and warming is provided as needed.
Babies stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for close monitoring.
What Are the Possible Complications of Omphalocele and Gastroschisis?
Most babies with these conditions can lead healthy lives with proper treatment.But there are some challenges to be aware of:
- There’s a risk of infection if the omphalocele sac breaks.
- The abdomen might be too small to hold all the organs, requiring staged surgeries.
- Exposed or misplaced organs can grow abnormally or have reduced blood flow.
- Long-term feeding or digestive issues are possible, but they often improve over time.
What Are the Warning Signs of Omphalocele and Gastroschisis?
Keep a close eye on your baby’s recovery after surgery.Reach out to your doctor if you notice:
- A high fever.
- Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or unusual drainage (yellow, green, or foul-smelling) at the surgical site.
- Green or coffee-ground-like vomit.
- A hard, full belly.
- Fewer stools or loss of appetite.
- Slow weight gain or worsening pain.
- Fewer wet nappies than usual.
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FAQs on Gastroschisis vs. Omphalocele: Key Differences Explained for Parents
- Is vaginal delivery possible for a baby with gastroschisis?
Yes, it is often possible. But doctors may recommend a C-section if there are complications or concerns about the baby’s safety. - Are omphaloceles linked to other birth defects?
Yes. Omphaloceles are often associated with heart, kidney, or genetic abnormalities, so doctors usually screen for other conditions after birth.
