An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the baby’s intestines, liver, or other abdominal organs stick out of the navel. This can happen when the muscles that normally hold these organs in place do not form properly during development. Omphaloceles can vary in size, from small ones that only involve the intestines to large ones that also include the liver and other abdominal organs.
Some babies with omphaloceles have other birth defects, such as heart defects.
Wrapping a Giant Omphalocele
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the abdominal contents protrude through the navel. The word “omphalocele” comes from the Greek words “omphalos,” meaning “navel,” and “ekklēma,” meaning “hernia.” This condition occurs when the muscles that normally hold the intestines in place do not form properly, allowing part of the intestines to push through the opening in the bellybutton.
Omphaloceles can vary in size, but usually involve a portion of the small intestine. In some cases, other organs, such as the liver or stomach, may also be affected.
Omphaloceles are relatively rare, occurring in about 1 out of every 5,000 births.
They are more common in girls than boys and are often associated with other birth defects. Treatment for an omphalocele typically involves surgery to repair the defect and return the abdominal contents to their proper position. With treatment, most children with an omphalocele go on to lead healthy lives.
Omphalocele Vs Gastroschisis
Omphalocele and gastroschisis are both birth defects of the abdominal wall. They are similar in that they both involve herniation of the intestines through a defect in the abdominal wall, but there are some key differences.
With omphalocele, the intestines (and sometimes other organs) are contained within a sac that protrudes from the navel.
The sac is covered with a thin layer of tissue and can range in size from small to large. Gastroschisis, on the other hand, does not involve a sac. The intestines simply protrude through a hole in the abdominal wall, usually to the side of the umbilical cord.
Another difference between these two conditions is that omphaloceles are often associated with other abnormalities, such as cardiac defects or genetic syndromes. Gastroschisis rarely has any other associated anomalies.
Treatment for omphalocele and gastroschisis typically involves surgery to repair the defect and return the intestines to their proper position within the abdomen.
Omphalocele Treatment
Omphalocele is a birth defect in which the intestines, liver, and sometimes other abdominal organs are protruding through a hole in the navel. Omphaloceles can range in size from small to large, and may be partially or completely covered by a sac. Although most cases of omphalocele are diagnosed prenatally, some are not identified until after birth.
There is no cure for omphalocele, but treatment is available to help improve the prognosis. Treatment typically involves surgery to repair the hole in the abdomen and return the organs to their proper position. In some cases, additional surgeries may be needed to treat associated health problems.
With proper treatment, most people with omphalocele can live long and healthy lives.
Omphalocele Cause
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the abdominal contents protrude through an opening in the navel. The word “omphalocele” comes from the Greek words “OMPHALOS” meaning “navel” and “CELE” meaning hernia or protrusion.
The severity of an omphalocele can range from small, in which only a little bit of intestine is involved, to large, in which most of the intestines, liver, and other abdominal organs are involved.
A small omphalocele may be able to be treated with surgery to put the organs back into the abdomen and close the opening. A large omphalocele may require treatment with surgery and/or other therapies.
The cause of most omphaloceles is unknown.
However, some cases have been associated with certain genetic conditions such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). Omphaloceles also occur more often in twins and higher order multiples.
If you or your child has been diagnosed with an omphalocele, it is important to talk to your doctor about all of your treatment options.
Omphalocele Syndrome
Omphalocele is a birth defect in which the infant’s intestines, liver, and/or other abdominal organs are protruding through a hole in the navel. The condition occurs when the baby’s abdomen doesn’t close properly during development in utero. Omphalocele is a type of hernia.
Most babies with an omphalocele are born healthy, but the prognosis depends on the severity of the condition. If only a small portion of intestine is involved, the child may have no long-term problems. However, if most of the abdominal organs are affected, there is a higher risk for complications such as infection, intestinal blockage, or malnutrition.
There is no known prevention for omphalocele and it cannot be corrected without surgery. Treatment typically involves surgically placing the protruding organs back into the abdomen and then closing up the opening. In some cases, a piece of mesh may be used to help support these organs.
Surgery is usually performed within the first few days after birth.
If you have given birth to a child with omphalocele or have concerns about this condition, please speak with your doctor.
Omphalocele Surgery
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the intestines, liver, and sometimes other abdominal organs stick out of the baby’s navel (belly button). The word “omphalocele” comes from two Greek words: “omphalos” meaning navel and “ektome” meaning excision.
Most omphaloceles are diagnosed before birth with prenatal ultrasound.
Prenatal diagnosis allows for timely treatment and counseling of parents prior to delivery. Omphaloceles can be associated with other birth defects, most commonly chromosomal abnormalities such as trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) or trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome). Less commonly, omphaloceles can be seen in babies with certain genetic syndromes such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome.
The standard of care for infants born with an omphalocele is surgery to repair the defect. Surgery is typically performed within the first few days of life. The goal of surgery is to put the intestines and other organs back inside the abdomen and close the opening in the abdominal wall.
In some cases, it may not be possible to put all of the organs back inside the abdomen. When this occurs, a portion of the intestine may need to be removed. Following surgery, infants are usually fed through a tube that goes directly into their stomach until they are able to eat by mouth.
Babies with omphaloceles often stay in the hospital for several weeks after surgery while they recover and grow strong enough to go home..
Omphalocele Treatment After Birth
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the baby’s intestines, liver, or other organs protrude from the navel (belly button). The word “omphalocele” comes from the Greek words for “navel” and “tumor.”
Most babies with an omphalocele are born healthy and do not have any other birth defects.
However, some babies with an omphalocele also have chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomy 18 or 13. These babies often have other health problems as well.
The treatment for an omphalocele depends on the size of the hernia and whether the baby has any other health problems.
If the hernia is small, it may be possible to put it back into the abdomen and close the opening in the abdominal wall with surgery. This can usually be done before the baby leaves the hospital.
For larger hernias, surgery is usually done after birth to close the opening in the abdominal wall and put the organs back into place.
Omphalocele Survival Rate
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the infant’s intestines, liver, and sometimes other abdominal organs protrude from a weakness in the abdominal wall. The opening usually is covered by a thin sac of tissue. An omphalocele can range in size from small to large.
A small omphalocele may contain only part of the intestine while a large one may also contain the stomach, spleen, and other organs.
The exact cause of an omphalocele is unknown. It occurs when there is a problem with development of the embryonic yolk sac or early in fetal development when the intestines move into the abdomen.
Omphaloceles are more common in girls than boys and are seen more often in premature infants.
Most babies born with an omphalocele will have surgery soon after birth to put the intestines back into the abdomen and close the opening in the abdominal wall. The type of surgery will depend on how large the omphalocele is and which organs are involved.
In some cases, surgeons may need to use part of another organ (graft) to help close the opening. Surgery usually takes place within 24 hours after birth but may be delayed if your baby needs other medical treatment first.
Credit: www.merckmanuals.com
Can a Baby Survive Omphalocele?
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the baby’s intestines, liver, or other abdominal organs protrude from a weakness in the abdominal wall. The condition occurs when the muscles that make up the abdominal wall do not form properly during fetal development. As a result, there is an opening in the abdomen through which these organs can protrude.
Omphaloceles can vary widely in size. Some may be very small and only involve a portion of the intestines, while others may be large and involve most of the abdominal organs. Omphaloceles are usually covered by a sac made up of layers of tissue that protect the exposed organs.
Although omphaloceles can be associated with other birth defects, such as heart defects or urinary tract abnormalities, many babies with omphaloceles have no other health problems. With proper treatment, most babies with omphaloceles can survive and go on to lead normal lives.
The first step in treating an omphalocele is to stabilize the baby’s condition.
This may involve giving them fluids and nutrients through an IV, as well as providing respiratory support if needed. Once stabilized, surgery will be necessary to repair the defect and put the organs back into the abdomen where they belong. The type of surgery required will depend on the size and location of the omphalocele.
In some cases, it may be possible to close the opening using stitches or staples. However, larger defects will require more extensive surgery to close them and may also require reconstructive surgery to repair any damage that has been done to the surrounding tissues.
After surgery, most babies will need to stay in hospital for a period of time so that their progress can be monitored closely.
They will likely need additional surgeries as they grow older to correct any lingering effects from their original condition.
What is Treatment of Omphalocele?
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the intestines, liver, and sometimes other abdominal organs protrude through a hole in the belly button (navel). The opening can be as small as a dime or as large as a dinner plate. An omphalocele is covered with a thin layer of tissue that may rupture easily.
There are three types of omphaloceles:
-Giant omphaloceles. These defects are the largest type.
They can involve all of the abdominal organs and may also include the stomach, spleen, and pancreas. Giant omphaloceles usually occur on the right side of the body.
-Midsize omphaloceles.
These defects are smaller than giant omphaloceles but larger than microphalloceles. Midsize omphaloceles usually involve only part of the intestine. They most often occur on the left side of the body.
-Microphalloceles. These are the smallest type of omphalocele. They involve only a very small section of intestine, and they often close on their own before birth without treatment.
Microphalloceles usually occur near the center of the abdomen.
Omphalocele can be diagnosed during pregnancy with ultrasound or MRI scans. After birth, diagnosis is made by physical examination.
Most babies with an omphalocele will require surgery to repair it. Surgery is typically done within 2 weeks after birth but may be delayed until your baby is stable enough for surgery.. Omphalopeles must have surgery to close; otherwise they are at risk for life-threatening infection If not closed correctly, an omophocele can result in intestinal blockage or herniation Some smaller ones will spontaneously close on their own prior to birth.. There are two types of surgical procedures that can be used to repair an omphalocele:
-Primary closure: This approach involves closing off the sac containing the intestines and other organs and then placing them back into your baby’s abdomen (stomach area). The sac is then removed through another incision in your baby’s abdomen (stomach area). This approach works best when there is minimal bowel (intestine) prolapse and when herniated contents can be returned relatively easily into your baby’s abdomen without tension.. It also works best when there is no significant liver involvement A variation of this approach may be needed if part of your baby’s liver is involved in order to avoid damage to this important organ.. In addition, some surgeons prefer this approach because it allows them to inspect all of your baby’s organs for any associated abnormalities.. Finally, this approach tends to result in smaller scars since only one incision needs to be made.. However, this technique may not always be possible depending on how large your baby’s defect is and whether or not there is significant liver involvement In these cases, another surgical approach known as staged closure may need to be used.. Staged closure: This surgical technique involves first placing a silo over herniated contents in order prevent them from returning back into your baby’s abdomen prematurely..
Is Omphalocele Life Threatening?
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the intestines, liver, or other abdominal organs stick out of the belly button. It happens when the muscles that usually hold these organs in place do not form properly during pregnancy. Omphaloceles can range from small to large.
Some are life-threatening and require surgery right away. Others may not need treatment for months or years.
The most common type of omphalocele is a small hernia.
In this case, the intestines may bulge out only a little bit, and they can usually be pushed back into the abdomen. These types of omphaloceles are usually not life-threatening and can be treated with surgery to close the opening in the abdominal muscles.
More serious cases of omphalocele can occur when the intestines, liver, or other organs are too large to be pushed back into the abdomen.
These types of omphaloceles are more likely to be life-threatening because they can cause organ damage or compression (squeezing). Surgery is often needed to treat these more serious cases of omphalocele.
Can Omphalocele Be Cured?
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the intestines, liver, or other abdominal organs protrude through an opening in the belly button (navel). The word “omphalocele” comes from the Greek word “ombros”, meaning navel.
Omphaloceles can vary in size.
Some are very small and only involve a portion of the intestine sticking out of the navel. Others are much larger and can include most of the abdominal organs. The largest omphaloceles can be life-threatening because they can cause severe damage to the intestines and other organs.
Most omphaloceles are diagnosed before birth with an ultrasound. If an omphalocele is found before birth, the parents will be counseled about their options and risks. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the defect before the baby is born.
In other cases, doctors may recommend waiting until after delivery to do surgery.
After delivery, surgery is typically needed to put the intestines and other organs back inside the body and close up the opening in the belly button. Surgery is usually successful in repairing an omphalocele, but it can sometimes lead to complications such as infection or intestinal blockage.
Conclusion
An omphalocele is a birth defect in which the infant’s intestines, liver, and sometimes other abdominal organs protrude from a sac through the navel. The sac may also contain fluid, blood vessels, and fat. Omphaloceles are present at birth and can range in size from small to large.
Some infants with small omphaloceles have no other health problems, while those with large omphaloceles often have other birth defects that can affect the heart, lungs, and urinary tract. Treatment for an omphalocele usually involves surgery to place the organs back into the abdomen and repair the opening in the abdominal wall.