What are abdominal wall defects?

An abdominal wall defect is an opening in the abdomen through which various abdominal organs can protrude. This opening varies in size and can usually be diagnosed early in fetal development, typically between the tenth and fourteenth weeks of pregnancy.

What is the difference between omphalocele and gastroschisis?

Gastroschisis and omphalocele are defects of the abdominal wall that occur in utero, can be detected prenatally using fetal ultrasonography, and result in herniation of abdominal contents. In contrast to omphalocele, there is no sac covering the intestines in gastroschisis.

What is the difference between exomphalos and gastroschisis?

Infants with exomphalos usually have an associated non-rotation or malrotation of their intestine. The liver, spleen, and ovaries are frequently present in the sac. Gastroschisis is a smaller defect in the abdominal wall, located to the right side of the anatomically normal umbilical cord.

Which is more common omphalocele or gastroschisis?

Gastroschisis occurs more often than omphalocele. But both conditions are considered rare. The National Institutes of Health reports that about 2 to 6 out of 10,000 newborns in the United States are born with gastroschisis. Two to 2.5 newborns out of 10,000 have omphalocele.

What is the abdominal wall?

The abdominal wall surrounds the abdominal cavity, providing it with flexible coverage and protecting the internal organs from damage. It is bounded superiorly by the xiphoid process and costal margins, posteriorly by the vertebral column and inferiorly by the pelvic bones and inguinal ligament.

What is the difference between Exomphalos and omphalocele?

Exomphalos literally translated from the Greek means ‘outside the navel’. It is also called an omphalocele. It is a congenital abnormality in which the contents of the abdomen herniate into the umbilical cord through the umbilical ring.

Which has better prognosis omphalocele or gastroschisis?

Because the peritoneal sac is absent, the fetal bowel is continuously exposed to the amniotic fluid, resulting in significant inflammation of the bowel wall [2]. Omphalocele is known to have more associated anomalies and higher mortality rate than gastroschisis [2].

What causes omphalocele?

Some babies have omphalocele because of a change in their genes or chromosomes. Omphalocele might also be caused by a combination of genes and other factors, such as the things the mother comes in contact with in the environment or what the mother eats or drinks, or certain medicines she uses during pregnancy.

What is exstrophy of cloaca?

Cloacal exstrophy is a condition where some internal organs that are normally in the lower abdomen are exposed externally. In addition, some of these organs may not have developed correctly and the lower parts of the reproductive, urinary and intestinal tracts may not be completely formed.

What anomaly is gastroschisis?

Most commonly, the anomalies associated with gastroschisis are cardiac and central nervous system abnormalities. Respiratory insufficiency has sometimes been reported in association with giant abdominal wall defects.

Is gastroschisis associated with other abnormalities?

Gastroschisis may be associated with gastrointestinal anomalies. Other birth defects are associated with gastroschisis, most commonly, abnormalities of the cardiac and genitourinary.

What forms the third layer of abdominal wall muscles?

Rectus Sheet The three anterolateral flat muscles (obliques and transversus abdominis) form an aponeurosis on both sides that is a broad flat tendon called rectus sheat, enclose the rectus abdominis, and consists of two layers anterior and posterior layer.

What are the different types of abdominal wall defects?

Defects are usually classified by location. Types of abdominal wall defects include: Rectus muscles fail to approximate at the linea alba between the umbilicus and xyphoid process. Usually presents as painless bulge Incarceration and strangulation are rare in children but more common in adults.

Can abdominal wall defects be treated?

Abdominal wall defects can be treated surgically if there are no accompanying anomalies. The surgical procedure also called omphalocele repair/closure or gastroschisis repair/closure is not overcomplicated. The organs are normal but are misplaced.

What causes viscera to protrude from abdominal wall?

Viscera protrudes through a central abdominal wall defect that is covered (omphalocoele) or uncovered (gastroschisis) with an overlying sac. Bulge along lateral rectus below the umbilicus due to defect in the semi-lunar line of the posterior rectus sheath. Caused by failure of fascia to heal after abdominal incision.

What is an example of an atypical body wall defect?

In limb- body wall defects, one can find atypical exencephaly/encephalocele, atypical facial clefts, and at times amniotic bands. For this reason, it is crucial to report all findings and obtain good clinical photographs for the expert reviewer.