Refers to a full thickness abdominal wall defect caused by a vascular injury during development allowing small or large bowel to escape outside of the abdominal cavity.
The herniated intestine is not covered by a peritoneal membrane, and usually associated with a defect t the right of the midline.
More commonly occurs in children born of mothers less than 20 years of age.
Often seen on second trimester sonogram, and associated with elevated AFP levels.
Treatment relies on surgical correction of the abdominal wall abnormalities, with return of the herniated intestines to the abdominal cavity.