Omphalocele

Birth defect - omphalocele; Abdominal wall defect - infant; Abdominal wall defect - neonate; Abdominal wall defect - newborn

An omphalocele is a birth defect in which an infant's intestine or other abdominal organs are outside of the body because of a hole in the belly button (navel) area. The intestines are covered only by a thin layer of tissue and can be easily seen.

Infant omphalocele

An omphalocele is an abdominal wall defect at the base of the umbilical cord (umbilicus); the infant is born with sac protruding through the defect which contains small intestine, liver, and large intestine.

Omphalocele repair - series

Omphalocele is an abdominal wall defect at the base of the umbilical cord (umbilicus); the infant is born with a sac protruding through the defect which contains small intestine, liver, and large intestine. Omphalocele is frequently associated with other birth defects, such as heart defects, imperforate anus, urinary problems, and genetic defects. Omphalocele is very similar to gastroschisis, except that the organs are enclosed in a sac.

Silo

Gastroschisis is a birth defect in which an infant's intestines stick out (protrude) through a hole in the abdominal wall. Sometimes, gastroschisis can be repaired surgically at birth. Most often, the infant's abdominal cavity is too small for the intestine to fit back in. So a mesh sack called a silo is stitched around the borders of the defect, and the end of the silo is hung above the baby. This allows gravity to help the intestine to slip back into the abdomen. Over time, the intestine returns into the abdominal cavity and the defect can then be closed.

Causes

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Outlook (Prognosis)

Possible Complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional