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Table 9-5

Gastroschisis and Omphalocele

GastroschisisOmphalocele
Umbilical cord locationUmbilical cord inserts to left of the defect (with bowel herniation to the right)Umbilical cord enters into the membrane-covered midline defect (with herniation of abdominal contents into base of cord)
Physical findings

  • No covering membrane

  • Varies in size

  • Small bowel ± liver

  • Oligohydramnios > polyhydramnios

  • Covered by membrane

  • Varies in size

  • Contains bowel loops ± liver

Additional anomalies

  • Usually isolated

  • Increased risk for IUGR

  • Intestinal atresia in 10%-15%

  • Additional structural anomalies common (25%-30%)

  • Cardiac defects

  • Gastrointestinal defects

Associated genetic abnormality

  • No association with chromosomal abnormalities

  • Most are sporadic.

  • 30%-40% with chromosomal abnormality

  • Association with Beckwith-Wiedemann and other syndromes

Abbreviation: IUGR, intrauterine growth restriction.