Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect in which a small opening forms in the abdominal wall, typically to the right of the umbilical cord insertion, allowing loops of bowel and sometimes other organs to herniate freely into the amniotic fluid. On prenatal ultrasound, gastroschisis is recognized by the presence of free-floating bowel loops outside the fetal abdomen without a covering membrane, which distinguishes it from omphalocele, where the herniated contents are covered by a sac. The exposed bowel can become inflamed and matted from contact with the amniotic fluid. Prenatal detection allows for planned delivery at a center with neonatal surgical capabilities.
Sonography Term