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An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the infant's intestine or other abdominal organs stick out of the belly button (navel). In babies with an omphalocele, the intestines are covered only by a thin layer of tissue and can be easily seen.
An omphalocele is a type of hernia. Hernia means "rupture."
See also:
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsAn omphalocele develops as a baby grows inside the mother's womb. The muscles in the abdominal wall (umbilical ring) do not close properly. As a result, the intestine remains outside the umbilical cord.
Approximately 25 - 40% of infants with an omphalocele have other birth defects. They may include genetic problems (chromosomal abnormalities), congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and heart defects.
SymptomsAn omphalocele can be clearly seen, because the abdominal contents stick out (protrude) through the belly button area.
There are different sizes of omphaloceles. In small ones, only the intestines stick out. In larger ones, the liver or spleen may stick out of the body as well.
Signs and testsPrenatal ultrasounds often identify infants with an omphalocele before birth. Otherwise, a physical examination of the infant is enough for your health care provider to diagnose this condition. Testing is usually not necessary.
TreatmentOmphaloceles are repaired with surgery, although not always immediately. A sac protects the abdominal contents and allows time for other more serious problems (such as heart defects) to be dealt with first, if necessary.
To fix an omphalocele, the sac is covered with a special man-made material, which is then stitched in place. Slowly, over time, the abdominal contents are pushed into the abdomen.
When the omphalocele can comfortably fit within the abdominal cavity, the man-made material is removed and the abdomen is closed.
Sometimes the omphalocele is so large that it cannot be placed back inside the infant's abdomen. The skin around the omphalocele grows and eventually covers the omphalocele. The abdominal muscles and skin can be repaired when the child is older to achieve a better cosmetic outcome.
Expectations (prognosis)Complete recovery is expected after surgery for an omphalocele. However, omphaloceles often occur with other birth defects. How well a child does depends on which other conditions the child also has.
If the omphalocele is identified before birth, the mother should be closely monitored to make sure the unborn baby remains healthy. Plans should be made for careful delivery and immediate management of the problem after birth. The baby should be delivered in a medical center that is skilled at repairing omphaloceles. The baby's outcome is improved if he or she does not need to be taken to another center for further treatment.
Parents should consider screening their unborn baby for other genetic problems that are associated with this condition.
Complications- Death of the intestinal tissue
- Intestinal infection
This problem is diagnosed and repaired in the hospital at birth. After returning home, call your health care provider if the infant develops any of these symptoms:
- Decreased bowel movements
- Feeding problems
- Fever
- Green or yellowish green vomit
- Swollen belly area
- Vomiting (different than normal baby spit-up)
- Worrisome behavioral changes
Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, 17th ed. St. Louis, M0: WB Saunders; 2004:2116-2117.
Ledbetter DJ . Gastroschisis and omphalocele. Surg Clin North Am. April 2006; 86(2): 249-60, vii.
What else can I help you with?
Are there alternatives to omphalocele repair?
There are no non-surgical alternatives to omphalocele repair
What is omphalocele?
omphalocele (protrusion of part of the intestine through the abdominal wall)
Does an omphalocele occur with other defects?
The presence of an omphalocele often occurs with other birth defects
Does omphalocele repair use an anesthesia?
The omphalocele repair is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia
Is an omphalocele is a defect that can be viewed on sonogram during an ultrasound?
An omphalocele is a defect that can be viewed on sonogram during an ultrasound performed while the mother is pregnant
When is an omphalocele repair done?
performed to repair the omphalocele defect in which all or part of the bowel and other internal organs lie on the outside of the abdomen in a hernia (sac).
When does the omphalocele develop?
The seventh to tenth week of fetal development
How common are omphaloceles?
An omphalocele occurs in about one in 5,000 live births
Omphalocele what does it mean for the outlook with a baby with omphalocele?
An omphalocele is a fancy word that means a part of the baby's intestine protrudes outside of the abdomen at the time of birth. It should be fixed by a surgeon. As with all situations, the outlook depends on the severity of the original problem and the question of whether or if it was part of a larger problem. If the original problem was small and the only problem, the outlook is probably good.
What does an omphalocele leave behind?
Whenever possible, a normal-looking belly button is created
What are the major differences between omphalocele and umbilical hernia?
Congenital omphalocele is a persistence of the herniation of the abdominal contents into the proximal part of the umbilical cord. Whereas, the umbilical hernia occurs when intestines herniate through the imperfectly closed umbilicus. SIMILARITY: Both herniation occurs thru the umbilicus. DIFFERENCE: In the umbilical hernias, the protruding mass is covered by subcutaneous tissue and skins, whereas in congenital omphalocele it's not.
What is an omphalocele?
An omphalocele is a birth defect where a baby's intestines or other abdominal organs protrude through the navel area due to a hole in the abdominal wall. It is typically diagnosed through prenatal ultrasound and requires surgical intervention after birth to place the organs back into the abdomen and repair the abdominal wall.
