A newborn has evisceration of bowel through an anterior abdominal wall defect situated just to the right of the umbilical cord, with no covering sac. Which statement about this condition is correct?
- A The extruded bowel may be matted and thickened from exposure to amniotic fluid ✓
- B It carries a low risk of hypothermia and fluid loss because the bowel is protected
- C The defect results from failure of return of midgut into the coelomic cavity
- D It is commonly associated with chromosomal and cardiac anomalies
Correct answer: A. The extruded bowel may be matted and thickened from exposure to amniotic fluid
Explanation
Gastroschisis is a full-thickness paraumbilical defect, usually to the right of the cord, without a covering membrane. Because there is no sac, the exposed loops are chemically inflamed, oedematous and matted by amniotic fluid, so heat and fluid losses are large. Unlike omphalocele, which arises from failure of gut return to the coelom and is strongly linked with chromosomal and cardiac defects, gastroschisis is usually an isolated anomaly.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.