ABSTRACT
Omphalocele consists of a central abdominal wall defect that permits herniation of abdominal viscera into a sac made up of a three-layered membrane consisting of peritoneum, Wharton's jelly, and amnion that covers the viscera. Gastroschisis is a smaller abdominal wall defect to the right of a normally positioned umbilical cord, which permits herniation of the intestine, as well as occasionally, the liver, testis, or ovary. The surgical repair of abdominal wall defects has evolved over many years, with advances in diagnostic ability, neonatal intensive care, and anesthetic techniques. Gastroschisis results in bowel herniation through a small defect to the right of the normally formed umbilical cord. There are several hypotheses to explain the development of the gastroschisis defect. The incidence of gastroschisis has been increasing worldwide over the past two decades. As a rule, it is rare for gastroschisis to be associated with other anomalies, but it is very common for omphalocele.
