Omphalocele
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
An omphalocele
is a congenital condition that causes your baby's intestines or other organs to form outside his or her body. The organs stay in a clear sac called the peritoneum after he or she is born. The umbilical cord is attached to the top of the sac. An omphalocele forms when the baby's abdominal wall does not close completely during pregnancy. Your baby's omphalocele may be mild or severe. Mild means only some intestines are involved. Severe means some organs in his or her chest may be involved in addition to abdominal organs. Your baby may also have heart problems or other congenital conditions.
What you need to know about delivery:
- Healthcare providers can usually see an omphalocele on an ultrasound before the baby is born. The omphalocele will be visible on your baby's abdomen after he or she is born if it was not found on an ultrasound.
- You may need to deliver your baby at a hospital that has experience with omphaloceles. Your healthcare provider may recommend a vaginal delivery unless other problems mean you need a C-section.
What will happen after your baby is born:
- A ventilator may be used to give your baby extra oxygen. A ventilator is a machine that breathes for your baby if he or she cannot breathe well on his or her own. The extra oxygen can help reduce his or her risk for long-term breathing problems.
- A nasogastric tube may be used to relieve pressure. The tube will be placed into your baby's nose and guided down to his or her stomach. Suction is used to remove fluid and air from your baby's abdomen.
- Your baby may need to have an IV placed in a vein. Healthcare providers will use the IV to give your baby liquids and medicine.
- Your baby will be kept warm. He or she will be placed in a warmer. The warmer will help prevent him or her from becoming too cold from his or her exposed organs.
- The omphalocele will be protected. Your baby's healthcare providers will cover the omphalocele to keep his or her organs protected. They may place his or her lower body in a medical bag. The bag is designed to keep your baby warm and prevent dehydration from moisture loss. If the omphalocele will not be treated immediately, it will stay covered. Skin will grow over the omphalocele over time.
- Antibacterial medicine may be applied. Healthcare providers may use an antibiotic cream or ointment on the omphalocele to prevent a bacterial infection.
- Tests will be used to plan treatment. Healthcare providers may use x-ray, ultrasound, or other pictures to check your baby's organs. Blood tests will also be used to check for infection and show how well his or her organs are working.
Treatment
depends on your baby's development at birth, and any other congenital conditions he or she has. A tissue expander may be placed into your baby's abdomen if it is too small to hold the organs. The size of the expander is increased over time to give the abdomen time to grow. Your baby may need any of the following to repair the omphalocele:
- Organ reduction means the omphalocele is small enough for healthcare providers to put the organs back into place. The opening is then closed with stitches.
- A silo is a device used to help put the organs back into your baby's abdomen. The silo is placed over the omphalocele and tightened over a few weeks to help guide the organs into place. The silo will be removed, and the abdomen will be closed during surgery. The sac may be used as a silo if it is thick enough.
- Surgery may be needed to put your baby's organs back into his or her abdomen. If the omphalocele is small, your baby may have surgery soon after he or she is born. A large omphalocele may need to be treated over time. This will give your baby's abdomen enough time to grow and stretch so the organs will fit inside. It may take 6 to 12 months for your baby's abdomen to grow large enough. Immediate surgery may be needed if the sac ruptures.
Manage your baby's omphalocele:
You may be able to care for your baby at home while you are waiting for the omphalocele to be treated. Healthcare providers will show you how to handle, dress, and bathe your baby. They will show you how to change your baby's diapers. They will also show you how to change bandages and apply medicines to the skin covering the omphalocele.
Prevent an omphalocele in a future pregnancy:
- Take prenatal vitamins as directed. Folic acid helps prevent congenital conditions such as omphalocele. Make sure the vitamins contain 400 micrograms of folic acid.
- Do not use nicotine products or alcohol while you are pregnant. If you currently use nicotine or alcohol, ask your healthcare provider for information on quitting before you become pregnant.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your obstetrician may tell you how much weight is healthy to gain during your pregnancy. Healthcare providers can help you create healthy meal and activity plans.
- Talk to your obstetrician about medicines during pregnancy. Your obstetrician may give you a list of medicines that are safe during pregnancy.
Follow up with your baby's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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