Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Abdominal wall defect
Introduction
Overview
Overview
An infant born with an abdominal wall defect has an abnormal opening on the abdomen. This often causes the intestines and other organs to form outside of the body.
There are two types of abdominal wall defects – omphalocele and gastroschisis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
These types of openings in the abdomen can usually be detected by AFP screening or a detailed fetal ultrasound. Genetic counseling and further genetic testing, such as amniocentesis, may be offered during the pregnancy as some abdominal wall defects are associated with genetic disorders.
Treatment
Treatment
If there are no additional genetic problems or birth defects, surgery soon after birth can often repair these birth defects.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]