Gastroschisis vs. Omphalocele

Left picture: The clinical diagnosis is a gastroschisis. Right picture: In this newborn an omphalocele is present. The three characteristics mentioned above, ´envelope or omphalocele sac, tender intestinal loops, and additional parenchymatous organ(s) lying outside of the abdominal cavity´ are typical for an omphalocele.

Due to the appearance of the patient and the presence of an umbilical cord both children are neonates; in both patients parts of the intestinal tract are visible outside of the peritoneal cavity. Left picture: The intestinal loops lie freely in front of the abdominal wall on the right side of the umbilical cord. Right picture: The intestinal loops lie within a structure with a transparent envelope and are tender; in addition, parts of a parenchymatous organ are recognizable at the upper pole.