Gastroschisis repair is surgery to correct a birth defect that causes an opening in the skin and muscles covering the belly (abdominal wall). The opening allows intestines and sometimes other organs to bulge outside the belly. The surgeon places the organs back inside the belly and closes the belly wall.

See also:

• Gastroschisis
• Omphalocele (a similar defect)
• Omphalocele repair

Abdominal wall defect repair

The goal of surgery is to place the organs back into the baby's belly and fix the defect, if possible. The surgeon will wait until your baby is stable enough to have surgery. This may take a week to 10 days. During this time, a plastic pouch called a silo will be used to return most of your baby's intestines and other organs into the belly.

When ready for surgery, your baby will receive general anesthesia. This will make your baby asleep and pain-free during the operation.

• The surgeon will examine your baby's intestine (bowel) closely for signs of damage or other birth defects. Unhealthy parts will be removed, and the healthy edges will be stitched together.
• The surgeon will place all abdominal organs that are outside the belly back into the belly.
• The opening in the wall of the belly will be repaired, if possible.
• More surgery may be needed at a later time to repair the muscles in your baby's belly.

Gastroschisis is a life-threatening birth defect. It needs to be treated as soon as possible after a baby is born.

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Gastroschisis repair Risks

Review Date: 01/24/2011
Reviewed By: Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in General Surgery, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)