Gastroschisis
| Condition | Diagnosis | Pathophysiology | Clinical Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Congenital umbilical hernia | Incomplete closure of umbilical ring (fascial opening) | Benign, reducible protrusion | Defect covered by skin; Midline (umbilical cord at apex) |
| Omphalocele | Abnormal gut rotation without physiologic reduction back into abdominal cavity | Sac containing bowel ± other abdominal organs | Defect covered by peritoneum (no skin, fascia, muscle); Midline (umbilical cord at apex) |
| Gastroschisis | Full-thickness abdominal wall defect | Eviscerated bowel | Not covered by membrane; Located to the right of midline/umbilicus |
Tip
Unlike in cases of omphalocele, gastroschisis does not manifest with a hernia sac.
Mnemonic
Omphalocele keeps your gut O-sealed (covered with peritoneum), but in Gastroschisis, the Gut freezes (herniates through the abdominal wall without being covered by peritoneum).