Gastroschisis vs. Omphalocele — What's the Difference?

Gastroschisis is a birth defect in which the baby's intestines extend outside of the abdomen through a hole next to the belly button. The size of the hole is variable, and other organs including the stomach and liver may also occur outside the baby's body.

Omphalocele or omphalocoele also called exomphalos, is a rare abdominal wall defect. Beginning at the 6th week of development, rapid elongation of the gut and increased liver size reduces intra abdominal space, which pushes intestinal loops out of the abdominal cavity.

A defect of the abdominal wall through which the viscera protrude

A hernia of the navel.

A hernia at the navel.

Protrusion of the intestine and omentum through a hernia in the abdominal wall near the navel; usually self correcting after birth