Is a gastroschisis or omphalocele the same?

No: Omphalocele is an abdominal wall defect through the umbilical ring. Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect that usually occur to the right of the umbilical cord/umbilical ring. Omphalocele usually has an amniotic sac, gastroschisis does not. Omphalocele has a higher association with other congenital anomalies compared to gastroschisis.

No: Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect to the right of the umbilicus. The bowel is exposed to the amniotic fluid and gets chemically irritated. Usually only small and/or large bowel are exposed. Omphalocele is a hernia of the umbilical cord. The defect is usually larger and may have bowel and liver in the sac. There can other defects associated with omphalos.