Omphalocele is a serious birth defect where a baby's intestines or other abdominal organs are outside of their body. This happens because of an opening in the belly button area. The organs are only covered by a thin layer of tissue, making them easily visible.
Understanding Omphalocele
Omphalocele is a congenital abnormality, meaning it's present at birth. It's characterized by the protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring. This ring is the opening in the abdominal wall where the umbilical cord was attached during pregnancy. In omphalocele, the abdominal wall fails to close completely during fetal development, resulting in the herniation of organs.
What organs might be involved?
The organs that protrude in an omphalocele can include:
- Intestines (most common)
- Liver
- Stomach
- Other abdominal organs
Appearance of Omphalocele
The protruding organs are usually covered by a thin, transparent sac. This sac is made up of the amnion and peritoneum, membranes that normally surround the fetus. The size of the omphalocele varies, ranging from small to very large, depending on the organs involved.
Treatment of Omphalocele
Surgical repair is typically necessary to correct an omphalocele. The surgery involves gently returning the organs to the abdominal cavity and closing the abdominal wall defect. The timing of the surgery depends on factors such as the size of the omphalocele, the overall health of the infant, and the presence of any associated anomalies.
