Patient's question:
I am a lesbian who is pregnant. Recently, I have noticed many abnormal conditions in my abdomen. I am very anxious and went to the hospital for a check-up. After the examination, it was found that the baby has gastroschisis. Could you please tell me what factors cause gastroschisis?Doctor's answer:
Gastroschisis is a congenital defect of the abdominal wall development, characterized by a full-thickness defect in the abdominal wall near the umbilicus, with abdominal organs protruding from the defect. It is a rare malformation. The incidence varies greatly among different statistics, but it is more common in low-birth-weight infants. The intestinal tract can be observed protruding from the abdominal wall defect near the umbilicus after birth. The mesentery is free, and the intestines are congested, edematous, and thickened, covered with fibrinous exudate, and the intestines are adhered to each other. If a fetus is diagnosed with gastroschisis, the decision to continue the pregnancy is left to the individual. If the decision is made to deliver, immediate surgery is required postpartum.