Omphalocele and gastroschisis are uncommon abdominal wall defects of the newborn.
Omphalocele is a herniation of abdominal contents into the base of the umbilical cord, with a covering membraneous sac which is not covered with skin, and the umbilical cord is inserted into the apex of the sac.
Gastroschisis is a full-thickness abdominal wall defect lateral to the umbilical cord without any sac or covering for the eviscerated bowels.
Both conditions are the result of developmental abnormalities about 10 Th week of fetal life. Infants with. these defects are frequently premature, and one with omphalocele has other associated congenital abnormalities, but one with gastroschisis has rarely these.
The principles of the treatment of these two abnormalities are same.
If the sac or, defect is small in size, primary closure should be, done within the first day or so. When the, defect is very large, the surgeon will at times have the choice between immediate coverage with skin flaps and the expectant treatment.
The result of treatment is related with the size of defect, body weight and the associated anomalies and it is generally poor.
This report deals with clinical aspects in, 7 cases, of omphalocele and 6 cases of gastroschisis, which were experienced, from Jan. 1968 to Feb. 1976 at the department of pediatric surgery in Severance Hospital.
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