Gastroschisis is when a baby is born with the intestines sticking out through a hole in the belly wall near the umbilical cord. Often, the intestines don’t fit in the belly because they’re swollen. If so, the surgeon usually arranges the intestines in a bag called a silo to:
- let the water move out of the intestines so they shrink to normal size
- allow the intestines to slowly move into the belly
The care team gradually tightens the silo as the intestines return to normal size. Putting the intestines back into the belly with a silo usually takes about 3–4 days, but may take longer.
30-Second Summary: Gastroschisis
Learn the basics in 30 seconds.
Date reviewed: January 2022