Omphalocele

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Infant omphalocele

Omphalocele repair - series

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Omphalocele

Treatment:

Omphaloceles are surgically repaired, although not always immediately. The sac protects the abdominal contents and allows time for other more serious problems (such as heart defects) to be dealt with first, if neccessary.

To fix an omphalocele, the sac is covered with a special silo, which is then stitched in place. Slowly, over time, the volume of the silo is decreased and the abdominal contents are pushed into the abdomen.

When the omphalocele can comfortably fit within the abdominal cavity, the synthetic material is removed and the abdomen is closed.

Expectations (prognosis):

Complete recovery is expected. Frequently, omphalocele can be associated with other birth defects, and the prognosis then depends on these conditions.

Complications:

Intestinal infection
Death of the intestinal tissue related to dryness or trauma to the unprotected intestine

Calling your health care provider:

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:

Feeding problems
Vomiting (not normal baby spitting-up)
Green or yellowish green vomitus
Distended abdomen
Decreased bowel movements
Fever
Behavioral changes that are worrisome

Review Date: 7/17/2004
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, M.D., MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.