In addition, the intestine always fails to fall into its normal position and does not make its normal attachments to the back of the abdomen. In contrast to infants with omphalocele, associated problems are relatively rare in patients with gastroschisis. (American Pediatric Surgical Association)

The diagnosis of gastroschisis is usually made by ultrasound, in many cases following an elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test in the second trimester. (The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)

Gastroschisis is an uncommon birth defect, seen in about 1 of 5,000 births. Although about 10% of infants with gastroschisis have an intestinal atresia in which a portion of the intestine does not develop, the defect is rarely associated with other genetic abnormalities. (Cincinnati Children's Hosp. Med. Center)