Omphalocele—Child
How to Say It: uhm-fa-lo-seal
Definition
Omphalocele is a birth defect. It is a gap in the muscles and skin where the belly button should be. Abdominal tissue and organs push through the gap to the outside of the body. They are contained in a sac.
Normal Anatomy of the Abdominal OrgansCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Risk Factors TOP
This problem is more common in girls.
The risk of this problem is higher in women who are pregnant and:
- Take certain medicines, such as asthma medicine and antidepressants
- Smoke
- Drinking alcohol
Being overweight or obese before pregnancy also raises the risk.
Diagnosis TOP
Omphalocele may be suspected during a fetal ultrasound. After birth, an omphalocele can be found by viewing it.
Treatment TOP
The defect will need to be repaired. Choices are:
Medication
Organs can sometimes be harmed. There may also be some problems with digestion. Medicines that may help are:
- Dextrose and electrolyte solutions for nutrition and hydration
- Antibiotics if an infection is present or possible
Surgery
The goal of surgery is to put the tissue back in place and close the wall. The type of surgery will depend on the degree of the omphalocele.
Large defects may need many surgeries over a longer period of time.
Prevention TOP
A woman can lower the risk of this problem in her baby by:
- Reaching a healthy weight before becoming pregnant
- Talking to the doctor about medicines taken during pregnancy, especially asthma medicine and antidepressants
- Not smoking
- Not drinking alcohol
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov
March of Dimes
http://www.marchofdimes.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
March of Dimes Canada
http://www.marchofdimes.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
REFERENCES:
Facts about omphalocele. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed November 5, 2020.
Gamba P, Midrio P. Abdominal wall defects: prenatal diagnosis, newborn management, and long-term outcomes. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2014 Oct;23(5):283-290.
Omphalocele. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/omphalocele. Accessed November 5, 2020.
Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD
Last Updated: 5/11/2021