Omphalocele is a congenital condition that occurs as a result of an abnormality in the development of the abdominal region during fetal development. In this condition, the baby’s internal organs protrude outward in a sac or pouch, usually located outside the abdominal wall, when the baby is born. Omphalocele is usually caused by the failure of the baby’s abdominal walls to close properly or a problem in the closure process. Omphalocele is considered a birth abnormality and can affect the health of the baby. Cases of omphalocele can range from mild to severe. There are several types of omphalocele:
- Membranous Omphalocele
- Covered Omphalocele
- Open Omphalocele
The condition of omphalocele can be diagnosed during pregnancy through prenatal ultrasound. After birth, babies with omphalocele are at risk of respiratory distress because the proper placement of internal organs and complete closure of the abdominal wall may be delayed. Omphalocele babies should be treated immediately and may require surgical intervention. Treatment involves the placement of internal organs into the abdomen and closure of the abdominal wall.
Causes of Omphalocele
The exact causes of omphalocele are not fully known, but there may be some contributing factors and risks:
Genetic Factors: Genetic factors are believed to play a role in some cases of omphalocele.
Environmental Factors: It is thought that environmental factors that the mother is exposed to during pregnancy may increase the risk of omphalocele.
Abnormal Fetal Development: Normally, the developing baby’s abdominal wall encloses and protects internal organs. However, if there is a problem during this process, the internal organs can protrude outward and omphalocele may occur.
Chromosomal Abnormalities: Some cases of omphalocele may be associated with fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities.
Symptoms of Omphalocele
The main symptom of omphalocele is a protrusion or sac in the upper part of the baby’s abdomen at birth:
- Protrusion in the abdominal wall
- Larger than normal umbilical hernia
- Discoloration
Diagnosis of Omphalocele
Omphalocele can often be detected during prenatal ultrasound examinations:
Prenatal Ultrasound: A pregnant woman undergoes prenatal ultrasound testing from the early stages of pregnancy. These tests are used to monitor the growth of the fetus, organ development, and possible birth abnormalities.
Postnatal Examination: Rarely, omphalocele can be diagnosed during postnatal examination.
Treatment of Omphalocele
Omphalocele, being a congenital abnormality, requires surgical intervention for treatment:
Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention is necessary for the treatment of omphalocele. The surgery involves the removal of the omphalocele sac along with the internal organs, proper placement of the internal organs, and closure of the abdominal wall.
Single-Stage or Multistage Surgery: The treatment of omphalocele can be a single-stage or multistage surgical procedure depending on the severity of the omphalocele case and the condition of the internal organs.
Drainage and Care: After surgery, drainage of the surgical site is ensured, and drainage tubes are used.
Monitoring and Follow-up: Babies with omphalocele need to be regularly monitored by specialist doctors after treatment.
Management of Omphalocele
The management of omphalocele involves careful monitoring and treatment planning during and after the birth of the babies:
Prenatal Counseling and Preparation: If the diagnosis of omphalocele is made during the prenatal period, families and expectant mothers are provided with information about the birth of their babies and the subsequent treatment.
Postnatal Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention is necessary for the treatment of omphalocele after the birth of the babies.
Drainage and Care: After surgery, drainage of the surgical site is ensured, and drainage tubes are used.
Monitoring and Follow-up: Babies with omphalocele are regularly monitored and followed up by specialist doctors.
Nutrition and Growth Monitoring: Omphalocele cases can affect the normal growth and development processes of babies.
Long-Term Monitoring and Care: The management of omphalocele requires a long-term commitment.
