Gastroshiza causes, symptoms & treatment explained

Quick answer

Gastroshiza, also known as gastroschisis, is a rare birth defect where a baby is born with intestines outside the body due to an opening in the abdominal wall. It usually requires surgery after birth. Early prenatal diagnosis and neonatal care improve survival rates significantly.

Introduction: Gastroshiza

Gastroshiza is a rare but serious congenital condition that affects newborns. It happens when a baby’s abdominal wall does not form properly during pregnancy. This leaves an opening near the belly button, through which the intestines, and sometimes other organs, protrude outside the body.

Although this condition sounds alarming, advances in prenatal care and neonatal surgery have improved outcomes for affected infants. Parents often have many questions about causes, treatment options, and survival rates.

This article explains gastroshiza in simple terms, including what causes it, how it is diagnosed, and what treatments are available.

Let’s explore what every parent should know about gastroshiza.

Key Facts About Gastroshiza

What Is Gastroshiza?

Gastroshiza, medically called gastroschisis, is a defect in the abdominal wall. It occurs when a baby develops an opening near the umbilical cord. Unlike other abdominal wall defects, such as omphalocele, the exposed organs are not covered by a protective sac.

This makes the intestines vulnerable to amniotic fluid, which can cause swelling, thickening, and damage.

What Causes Gastroshiza?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but research points to several possible factors:

• Genetic predisposition – certain genes may increase risk.
• Environmental influences – smoking, alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy.
• Maternal age – most cases are seen in mothers younger than 20.
• Nutritional deficiencies – poor intake of folic acid and vitamins may contribute.
• Blood flow issues – restricted blood supply to the abdominal wall during fetal development.

In short, gastroshiza results from a combination of genetic and environmental triggers rather than a single cause.

Symptoms and Signs of Gastroshiza

The main symptom is visible at birth: intestines outside the abdominal cavity.

Other associated signs may include:

• Enlarged belly opening near the umbilicus
• Exposed liver or stomach (in severe cases)
• Swollen or inflamed bowel loops
• Digestive problems after birth

Prenatal ultrasound often detects gastroshiza before delivery, helping doctors prepare treatment plans in advance.

How Is Gastroshiza Diagnosed?

Prenatal Diagnosis

• Ultrasound screening in the second trimester shows free-floating intestines in amniotic fluid.
• Amniotic fluid tests may reveal elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, a marker for abdominal wall defects.

Postnatal Diagnosis

• Immediately after birth, gastroshiza is visible without additional testing.
• Doctors may order X-rays to assess bowel function and check for associated complications.

Treatment Options for Gastroshiza

Treatment always involves surgery. However, the method depends on the size of the defect and condition of the exposed organs.

Primary Repair

• Suitable for small openings.
• The intestines are placed back into the abdomen in one surgery.

Staged Repair (Silo Technique)

• Used when the opening is large or intestines are too swollen.
• A protective “silo bag” holds the organs while they are gradually moved back inside.
• Final closure is done after several days.

Supportive Care

• Intravenous fluids and nutrition before surgery.
• Antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Temperature regulation to reduce heat loss through exposed organs.

Survival Rate and Long-Term Outlook

With modern neonatal care, survival rates exceed 90%. However, recovery can vary:

• Short-term risks: infection, bowel obstruction, feeding difficulties.
• Long-term risks: digestive problems, slow growth in some infants.
• Positive outcomes: most children lead healthy lives after surgery.

Early diagnosis and specialized hospital care play a huge role in recovery.

Living with Gastroshiza: Parental Guidance

Parents often face emotional stress when their child is diagnosed with gastroshiza. Helpful steps include:

• Choose a specialized hospital with neonatal surgery expertise.
• Plan delivery at a tertiary care center with NICU facilities.
• Seek counseling for emotional and psychological support.
• Join parent support groups for shared experiences and advice.

Gastroshiza vs Omphalocele

Many people confuse gastroshiza with omphalocele. Here’s the difference:

Prevention: Can Gastroshiza Be Avoided?

While prevention is not always possible, risk reduction strategies include:

• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs during pregnancy.
• Ensure adequate prenatal nutrition, including folic acid.
• Get early and regular prenatal care.
• Manage exposure to harmful chemicals.

These steps support overall fetal development and lower risk.

Conclusion

Gastroshiza is a rare but treatable condition. With timely diagnosis and surgical repair, most infants recover well and lead normal lives. Parents should focus on prenatal care, delivery planning, and emotional support to ensure the best outcomes.

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