A to Z: Gastroschisis

Gastroschisis (gas-tro-SKEE-sis) is a birth defect of the abdominal wall that causes part of a baby's intestines to stick out of the body.

More to Know

Gastroschisis is a type of hernia or rupture, that develops in a baby's belly wall before birth. The rupture happens just to the right of the umbilical cord. The rupture can be small, causing a lump in the belly, or large, causing the intestines and parts of other organs to stick out from the body.

Doctors can see a baby has gastroschisis at birth. They treat it with surgery to put the organs back into the body.

Keep in Mind

Gastroschisis is a serious medical condition that can keep a newborn in the hospital for a while. Most babies with gastroschisis recover after treatment and go on to have a healthy life.

All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.