A characteristic that differentiates gastroschisis from omphalocele is

A characteristic that differentiates gastroschisis from omphalocele is

• A. Bowel herniates through the umbilicus within a protective sac
• B. Bowel remains within the abdomen
• C. Bowel herniates into the thoracic cavity
• D. Bowel is edematous and herniated without a protective sac

Answer: (D)

Gastroschisis is defined by herniation of bowel through a paraumbilical defect without a protective sac. The exposed bowel is in contact with amniotic fluid, becoming edematous and inflamed, which is the hallmark feature that differentiates it from omphalocele, where the contents are covered by a protective sac. The other scenarios either imply a sac is present (omphalocele), describe normal intra-abdominal contents, or involve a different anatomical location, not the paraumbilical defect with no sac.

Gastroschisis is defined by herniation of bowel through a paraumbilical defect without a protective sac. The exposed bowel is in contact with amniotic fluid, becoming edematous and inflamed, which is the hallmark feature that differentiates it from omphalocele, where the contents are covered by a protective sac. The other scenarios either imply a sac is present (omphalocele), describe normal intra-abdominal contents, or involve a different anatomical location, not the paraumbilical defect with no sac.