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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Re: Gastroschisis
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Re: Gastroschisis
by HFHSM.D.-ym, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on July 12, 1998 at 20:25:46:
In Reply to: Gastroschisis posted by Nikki LeBlanc on July 12, 1998 at 02:00:20:
I'm 21 years old and was born with gastroschisis. I don't know of anyone else with this same problem, or where to get any answers. Are there any support groups to help me? Are there any known side effect later in life that I should be concerned about? What about reconstructive surgery for the massive scars? Someone please help!!!
Dear Nikki,
Gastroschisis is a congenital abnormality due to the herniation of abdominal contents. Unlike another congenital defect called omphalocele these abdominal contents are not covered
by a sac and are therefore exposed to amniotic fluid in utero. This exposure damages the intestine and causes thickening of its
walls. Up to 21% of patients with gastroschisis have associated anomalies including intestinal atresia (incomplete formation of the
intestine), volvulus (twisting of intestinal loops), undescended testicles (in males) and gallbladder and kidney agenesis (incomplete
development of these organs).
The incidence of gastroschisis is approximately 1:10,000 births. A recent population based study over a 14 year period showed
a sharp rise in the occurrence of gastroschisis in the infants born to women 15-19 years of age. The reasons for this are poorly
understood. Socially disadvantaged women with a history of smoking and substance abuse are also at higher risk.
Abdominal wall defects are usually diagnosed in the prenatal period with ultrasound. If an amniocentesis (sampling of amniotic
fluid) is performed it is extremely rare to find chromosomal abnormalities. These infants are more often delivered by Caesarean
section. Although initial survival of these infants is very good, early corrective surgery must be performed. Sometimes during
corrective surgery intestine must be resected and this may lead to the development of intestinal malabsorption later in life. If
intestinal atresia or intestinal narrowing are present these may also necessitate resection of large amounts of intestine. After
surgery these infants often require total parenteral nutrition (intravenous nutrition) which may also be associated with infectious
and non-infectious complications. Nevertheless, the surgery is often successful and associated with a low mortality rate.
I was able to find two recent reports which assess the long term morbidity and quality of life in survivors of gastroschisis. In the
first study 83/94 patients with omphalocele or gastroschisis survived initial treatment and 61 had long term follow-up. If
congenital abnormalities were not present survival was favorable. Nineteen patients required 31 reoperations, most for
abdominal wall hernias and the sequelae of intestinal atresia. Current quality of life (10-20 years after birth) was described as
good in 80% of patients. In the second study 23/35 patients with gastroschisis (age range 12-23 years old) were questioned
about their general health, growth, abdominal symptoms, cosmetic concerns, education, employment and fertility. 22 patients
were in good health and overall growth was normal. Eight patients underwent further surgery related to gastroschisis, including
two for adhesive small bowel obstruction (scar tissue forming in the abdomen after surgery-this can cause intestinal blockage)
and three for scar complications. In 13 patients the absence of an umbilicus (belly button) caused emotional distress during
childhood. These reports suggest that once corrective surgery is performed most gastroschisis survivors can expect normal
growth and good health, however, a significant percentage of patients will require reoperation.
There have been several inquiries about gastroschisis. You may want to search the archives for other people you can contact or post this in the Maternal Child Forum section to see if there are others in your situation. I hope you find this information helpful. Good luck to you and your daughter.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or
consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an
appointment to see Dr. Muszkat one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
Keywords: gastroschisis, survivors
______
________
_____
In Reply to: Gastroschisis posted by Nikki LeBlanc on July 12, 1998 at 02:00:20:
I'm 21 years old and was born with gastroschisis. I don't know of anyone else with this same problem, or where to get any answers. Are there any support groups to help me? Are there any known side effect later in life that I should be concerned about? What about reconstructive surgery for the massive scars? Someone please help!!!
Dear Nikki,
Gastroschisis is a congenital abnormality due to the herniation of abdominal contents. Unlike another congenital defect called omphalocele these abdominal contents are not covered
by a sac and are therefore exposed to amniotic fluid in utero. This exposure damages the intestine and causes thickening of its
walls. Up to 21% of patients with gastroschisis have associated anomalies including intestinal atresia (incomplete formation of the
intestine), volvulus (twisting of intestinal loops), undescended testicles (in males) and gallbladder and kidney agenesis (incomplete
development of these organs).
The incidence of gastroschisis is approximately 1:10,000 births. A recent population based study over a 14 year period showed
a sharp rise in the occurrence of gastroschisis in the infants born to women 15-19 years of age. The reasons for this are poorly
understood. Socially disadvantaged women with a history of smoking and substance abuse are also at higher risk.
Abdominal wall defects are usually diagnosed in the prenatal period with ultrasound. If an amniocentesis (sampling of amniotic
fluid) is performed it is extremely rare to find chromosomal abnormalities. These infants are more often delivered by Caesarean
section. Although initial survival of these infants is very good, early corrective surgery must be performed. Sometimes during
corrective surgery intestine must be resected and this may lead to the development of intestinal malabsorption later in life. If
intestinal atresia or intestinal narrowing are present these may also necessitate resection of large amounts of intestine. After
surgery these infants often require total parenteral nutrition (intravenous nutrition) which may also be associated with infectious
and non-infectious complications. Nevertheless, the surgery is often successful and associated with a low mortality rate.
I was able to find two recent reports which assess the long term morbidity and quality of life in survivors of gastroschisis. In the
first study 83/94 patients with omphalocele or gastroschisis survived initial treatment and 61 had long term follow-up. If
congenital abnormalities were not present survival was favorable. Nineteen patients required 31 reoperations, most for
abdominal wall hernias and the sequelae of intestinal atresia. Current quality of life (10-20 years after birth) was described as
good in 80% of patients. In the second study 23/35 patients with gastroschisis (age range 12-23 years old) were questioned
about their general health, growth, abdominal symptoms, cosmetic concerns, education, employment and fertility. 22 patients
were in good health and overall growth was normal. Eight patients underwent further surgery related to gastroschisis, including
two for adhesive small bowel obstruction (scar tissue forming in the abdomen after surgery-this can cause intestinal blockage)
and three for scar complications. In 13 patients the absence of an umbilicus (belly button) caused emotional distress during
childhood. These reports suggest that once corrective surgery is performed most gastroschisis survivors can expect normal
growth and good health, however, a significant percentage of patients will require reoperation.
There have been several inquiries about gastroschisis. You may want to search the archives for other people you can contact or post this in the Maternal Child Forum section to see if there are others in your situation. I hope you find this information helpful. Good luck to you and your daughter.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or
consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an
appointment to see Dr. Muszkat one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
Keywords: gastroschisis, survivors
______
________
_____
Member Comments
by hayvensmom, Jul 25, 2009 07:35PM
A related discussion, Daughter has gastroschisis was started.
