Gastroschisis is an rare fetal abnormality which causes a baby to be born with part of the intestine outside of the body. A hole in the abdominal wall is present on the side of the belly button. Being outside the body is hard on the intestine, as it is exposed to amniotic fluid that contains urine and other irritating substances. This often causes difficulties for the baby after the bowel problem is surgically corrected, as the intestine may have permanent problems thereafter. Each case is different, and your obstetrician or the baby's pediatrician can help you know what to expect. Very few books are available on this topic, and the ones that can be found are mostly written for physicians. However, if you wish to learn all you can about gastroschisis, you may find them beneficial.
"Textbook of Fetal Abnormalities"
This book, published in 2006, was created primarily for physicians. "Textbook of Fetal Abnormalities," by Peter Twining et al., explores the correlation between what is seen on ultrasound examinations and what is found on other available tests. The book contains over 700 illustrations to explain gastroschisis and many other fetal disorders. Management of gastroschisis in the womb is also covered, according to the publisher.
"Gastroschisis"
"Gastroschisis: A Bibliography, Medical Dictionary and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References" is a resource for parents and family members who wish to learn all they can about gastroschisis. This book will guide you to online resources for research data, and also discusses scientific books and periodicals on the disorder. This book, from 2004, claims to save you time by showing you how to find credible medical information quickly. A dictionary of hundreds of terms relative to gastroschisis is provided to help you communicate with the physicians involved with your baby's care.
"Jones Clinical Paediatric Surgery: Diagnosis and Management"
This book, published in 2008 for pediatric surgeons, has multiple references to gastroschisis. It contains photographs and diagrams that can help you understand the surgical process that a baby with this disorder will experience. "Jones Clinical Paediatric Surgery: Diagnosis and Management" was written by multiple contributing authors and edited by John M. Hutson and others.
