GASTROSCHISIS
The baby was diagnosed with gastroschisis - an ultra rare condition of the abdomen - while still in the womb. Sufferers are born with parts of their body protruding outside their abdominal wall, after they fail to develop properly in the womb. Surgeons performed a two-hour operation on her immediately to push some of her organs back in - but not all would fit. The remaining were covered in a plastic bag, allowing for them to fall back into her stomach naturally. What is Gastroschisis? Gastroschisis is a birth defect of the abdominal (belly) wall. The baby’s intestines are found outside of the baby’s body, exiting through a hole beside the belly button. The hole can be small or large and sometimes other organs, such as the stomach and liver, can also be found outside of the baby’s body. Gastroschisis occurs early during pregnancy when the muscles that make up the baby’s abdominal wall do not form correctly. A hole occurs which allows the intestines and other organs to extend outside of the body, usually to the right side of belly button. Because the intestines are not covered in a protective sac and are exposed to the amniotic fluid, the intestines can become irritated, causing them to shorten, twist, or swell. Soon after the baby is born, surgery will be needed to place the abdominal organs inside the baby’s body and repair the hole in the abdominal wall. Even after the repair, infants with gastroschisis can have problems with nursing and eating, digestion of food, and absorption of nutrients.