MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Omphalocele

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Omphalocele

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Infant abdominal anatomy

Infant omphalocele

Omphalocele repair - series

Definition Return to top

An omphalocele is an abnormality in newborns in which the infant's intestine or other abdominal organs protrude from the navel. The intestines are covered only by abdominal membrane, and can be easily seen.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Birth defects occur in approximately 25 - 40% of infants with an omphalocele, and they may include genetic problems (chromosomal abnormalities), congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and heart defects.

Symptoms Return to top

An omphalocele is clearly evident by a defect in the abdominal wall at the navel through which the abdominal contents protrude. There are different sizes of omphaloceles. Smaller ones have only intestine protruding, while larger ones may have the liver or spleen protruding as well.

Signs and tests Return to top

Prenatal ultrasounds often identify infants with an omphalocele before birth. Otherwise, physical examination of the infant is sufficient for your health care provider to diagnose this condition. Testing is usually not necessary.

Treatment Return to top

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) Return to top

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

Complications Return to top

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

Calling your health care provider Return to top

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

Update Date: 7/17/2004

Updated by: John Goldenring, M.D., MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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