Gastroschisis

Abstract

Gastroschisis is a congenital anterior abdominal wall defect which results in herniation of intra-abdominal contents early in utero. Prenatal ultrasonography has become the optimum means of diagnosing gastroschisis. Knowing the diagnosis in advance allows for appropriate resources to be available to facilitate the delivery at or near a tertiary neonatal care center. Meticulous perioperative management is imperative for good patient outcomes. Abdominal closure can be performed primarily or using a staged technique. Congenital or acquired complications, e.g., atresias, perforation, and delayed necrotizing enterocolitis, must be identified promptly and managed carefully. Patient outcomes in gastroschisis are typically excellent, especially if close attention is paid to the details of perioperative management and surgical technique.