Omphalocele is also known as exomphalos.
Understanding Omphalocele (Exomphalos)
An omphalocele, or exomphalos, is a birth defect where a baby's intestines or other organs stick out of the belly button. This happens because the abdominal wall doesn't close completely during pregnancy. The condition begins around the 6th week of development due to a combination of factors including rapid gut elongation and increased liver size, which reduces space within the abdomen forcing intestinal loops outside. The protruding organs are covered by a thin membrane.
- Key features: The condition is characterized by the protrusion of abdominal organs through the umbilical ring. This is different from a gastroschisis where the intestines are outside the abdomen but are not covered by a membrane.
- Developmental timing: The defect arises during the early stages of fetal development, specifically around the sixth week of gestation. This coincides with significant growth of the gut and liver, increasing intra-abdominal pressure.
