Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect in neonates characterized by varying degrees of bowel herniation with the absence of a peritoneal membrane around the abdominal contents. The defect is usually to the right of the umbilicus. The pathogenesis of this particular abdominal wall defect is poorly understood as there are many existing hypotheses involving different steps of embryogenesis and organogenesis.

Risk factors include maternal smoking and recreational drug use during pregnancy as well as advanced or teenaged maternal age. Gastroschisis is not associated with any genetic disorders. Other congenital defects are rare, but 10%-20% of patients may develop intestinal atresia or malrotation.

Prenatal complications associated with gastroschisis include fetal growth restriction, polyhydramnios, preterm birth, and fetal demise. Dilation of the extra-abdominal bowel on ultrasound is associated with higher morbidity and complications. The mortality rate is around 10% but varies based on resources. These infants are at high risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis in the first 3 months of life. Many infants have long-term gastrointestinal motility problems.