defect in the anterior abdominal wall musculature just lateral to the umbilicus. The herniated viscera are not covered by peritoneum or amnion. The protruded intestinal loops are damaged by exposure to amniotic fluid and, hence, are edematous and are covered by a fibrous coat. This defect usually occurs on the right side and is more common in males than females. It has been proposed that this abdominal wall defect results from the premature regression of the right unjbilical vein, with a consequent ma I development of associated mesenchymal elements in the adjoining region of the body wall. The causative factors for" this abnormality may be environmental chemicals or' drugs. Incidence of gastroschisis is 1 in 10,000 births. Unlike omphalocele, associated malformations are much less common and there are no chromosomal abnormalities. Hence, infants with gastroschisis have better chances of survival after surgical correction of the defect.