Abdominal Wall Defects: omphalocele and Gastroschisis

Abstract

Omphalocele and gastroschisis are distinct clinical entities.Associated anomalies and chromosome abnormalities are common in omphalocele, and rare in gastroschisis.Prenatal diagnosis is common in both entities, which aids in planning for delivery and early postnatal care treatment.Early delivery and cesarean section delivery methods are not warranted.The surgical management is highly individualized for each entity, and depends on the overall condition of the newborn, associated anomalies, eviscerated organs, size of abdominal cavity, gestational age, and comorbidities among others.Overall survival for infants with gastroschisis is over 90%, but is less for infants with omphalocele because of associated anomalies or chromosome abnormalities.