GASTROSCHISIS Meaning and
Definition
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Gastroschisis is a medical condition characterized by a congenital defect in the abdominal wall of a fetus developing in the womb. This condition occurs early in pregnancy when the walls of the abdominal cavity fail to properly form and close, resulting in the intestines protruding outside the body through an opening near the umbilical cord. Gastroschisis is distinct from omphalocele, another condition where the organs remain within a protective sac outside the abdomen.
Commonly detected during prenatal ultrasound examinations, gastroschisis is typically diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy. The exact cause of gastroschisis is unknown, although certain risk factors have been identified, including young maternal age, cigarette smoking, and drug use during pregnancy. Untreated, gastroschisis can lead to complications such as intestinal damage, bowel obstruction, infection, and poor nutrient absorption.
Treatment for gastroschisis involves immediate medical intervention after birth. Following delivery, the exposed intestines are carefully covered and protected, usually with a special sterile plastic wrap or a customized pouch. Surgery is then performed to carefully place the organs back into the abdominal cavity and close the opening in the abdominal wall. Additional procedures may be necessary to correct any associated complications or abnormalities.
With early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention, the prognosis for infants with gastroschisis is generally favorable. However, the long-term outlook may depend on specific factors such as the extent of intestinal damage and any associated birth defects or complications. Close medical monitoring and follow-up care are essential to ensure optimal growth, development, and overall well-being in children born with gastroschisis.
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A congenital fissure in the abdominal wall, usually with protrusion of the viscera.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GASTROSCHISIS
- fastroschisis
- vastroschisis
- bastroschisis
- hastroschisis
- yastroschisis
- tastroschisis
- gzstroschisis
- gsstroschisis
- gwstroschisis
- gqstroschisis
- gaatroschisis
- gaztroschisis
- gaxtroschisis
- gadtroschisis
- gaetroschisis
- gawtroschisis
- gasrroschisis
- gasfroschisis
- gasgroschisis
- gasyroschisis
Etymology of GASTROSCHISIS
The word "Gastroschisis" is derived from two Greek roots: "gastro", which means "stomach", and "schisis", which means "split" or "cleft". Thus, "Gastroschisis" refers to a congenital condition where a baby is born with a hole or cleft in the abdominal wall, usually to the right of the umbilical cord, through which the intestines (and sometimes other organs) protrude.
Similar spelling word for GASTROSCHISIS
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