Herniation of abdominal contents through a defect lateral to the umbilical ring is called what?

Herniation of abdominal contents through a defect lateral to the umbilical ring is called what?

• A. Gastroschisis
• B. Omphalocele
• C. Umbilical hernia
• D. Intestinal atresia

Answer: (A)

Gastroschisis is the condition described. It involves herniation of abdominal contents through a defect located to the side of the umbilicus, usually the right, and there is no protective sac covering the exposed viscera. This distinguishes it from other abdominal wall defects: an omphalocele occurs at the umbilicus with the intestines covered by a membranous sac and often associated with other anomalies; an umbilical hernia protrudes through the umbilical ring itself; and intestinal atresia is a blockage or absence of a segment of intestine, not a herniation through a defect.

Gastroschisis is the condition described. It involves herniation of abdominal contents through a defect located to the side of the umbilicus, usually the right, and there is no protective sac covering the exposed viscera. This distinguishes it from other abdominal wall defects: an omphalocele occurs at the umbilicus with the intestines covered by a membranous sac and often associated with other anomalies; an umbilical hernia protrudes through the umbilical ring itself; and intestinal atresia is a blockage or absence of a segment of intestine, not a herniation through a defect.