Gastroschisis—antenatal diagnosis

Gastroschisis also called paraomphalocoele, laparoschisis, abdominoschisis or abdominal hernia is a type of inherited congenital abdominal wall defect in which the intestines and sometimes other organs develop outside the fetal abdomen through an opening in the abdominal wall. It is believed that this defect is the result of obstruction of the omphalomesenteric vessels during development. The rapid development of antenatal ultrasonography has prompted an early diagnosis of this entity and hence can guide the gynaecologist as well as paediatric surgeon for appropriate management.