What is "gastroschisis"

n. A defect of the abdominal wall through which the viscera protrude

Gastroschisis represents a congenital defect characterised by a defect in the anterior abdominal wall through which the abdominal contents freely protrude. There is no overlying sac or peritoneum, and the size of the defect is usually less than . The abdominal wall defect is located at the junction of the umbilicus and normal skin, and is almost always to the right of the umbilicus. The defect occurs 5–8 weeks after conception, most likely due to a disruption of the blood supply to the developing abdominal wall.

Widespread use of antenatal ultrasound examination and maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) screening has made the detection of gastroschisis possible in the second trimester of pregnancy.

Omphalocele is another congenital birth defect, but it involves the umbilical cord itself, and the organs remain enclosed in visceral peritoneum. With omphalocele the defect is usually much larger than in gastroschisis.