Differential Diagnosis (Gastroschisis/Omphalocele)

Synopsis of the differential diagnosis of gastroschisis and omphalocele. The differential diagnosis includes mainly the bladder exstrophy complex, and rarely the sternal cleft with ectopia of the heart or the vesicointestinal fissure. Confusions with pathologies of the navel, such as eversion of the small bowel in vitelline duct, variations of navel structure, and umbilical hernia, are also possible. However, a precise inspection and the consideration of the age after birth permit a clinical distinction from a gastroschisis or an omphalocele (in the so-called cutaneous navel or in umbilical hernia the rest of the umbilical cord should have dropped off due to mummification and not be visible any more).