Omphalocele is a serious birth defect where a baby's intestines or other abdominal organs are outside the body, protruding through a hole in the abdominal wall near the belly button. This opening is present at birth. The organs are covered only by a thin membrane, making them visible.
Understanding Omphalocele
Omphalocele is a type of abdominal wall defect. It occurs during fetal development when the abdominal muscles fail to close completely around the intestines. This results in the intestines and sometimes other organs like the liver or stomach protruding through the umbilical cord area.
- Key characteristics:
- Birth defect: Present at birth.
- Abdominal wall defect: Hole in the abdominal wall near the navel.
- Organ protrusion: Intestines, and possibly other organs, are outside the body.
- Thin membrane covering: The organs are covered by a thin layer of tissue, making them easily visible.
This condition requires immediate medical attention after birth as the exposed organs are vulnerable to infection and injury. Treatment typically involves surgical repair to close the abdominal wall and return the organs to their proper place within the abdomen.
