Gastroschisis and exomphalos

Question 1

What are they?

Answer 1

congenital visceral malformations.

Question 2

what is gastrochisis

Answer 2

a congenital defect in the anterior abdominal wall just lateral to the umbilical cord.

Question 3

Mx of gastrochisis

Answer 3

vaginal delivery may be attempted

newborns should go to theatre as soon as possible after delivery, e.g. within 4 hours

Question 4

what is exomphalos also known as?

Answer 4

omphalocoele

Question 5

what is exomphalos?

Answer 5

the abdominal contents protrude through the anterior abdominal wall but are covered in an amniotic sac formed by amniotic membrane and peritoneum.

Question 6

associations with exomphalos

Answer 6

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Down’s syndrome
cardiac and kidney malformations

Question 7

Mx of exomphalos

Answer 7

caesarean section is indicated to reduce the risk of sac rupture

a staged repair may be undertaken as primary closure may be difficult due to lack of space/high intra-abdominal pressure

Question 7

Mx of exomphalos

Answer 7

caesarean section is indicated to reduce the risk of sac rupture

a staged repair may be undertaken as primary closure may be difficult due to lack of space/high intra-abdominal pressure