Omphalocele, Infant

An omphalocele is a condition that is present at birth (congenital condition). If a baby has this condition, the intestines and some organs are outside the abdomen in a thin sac of tissue.

Babies who are born with this condition may be born with other conditions as well. Surgery is needed to put the organs back in the abdomen.

What are the causes?

This condition happens when a baby's stomach muscles do not close around the intestines and organs in the abdomen like they should. It often occurs around week 11 of pregnancy.

What increases the risk?

• The mother is younger than 20 years old or older than 40 years old.
• The mother is overweight.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF) was used.
• Tobacco or alcohol were used during pregnancy.
• Certain medicines were taken during pregnancy. These include some medicines used to treat depression or anxiety.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The only sign of this condition is the sac of organs. If the sac is broken or leaking, there may also be signs of infection.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed during pregnancy or at birth. Most often, it is found during a prenatal exam. It may be found with an ultrasound or a blood test.

At birth, the sac can be seen sticking out of the abdomen. The health care provider will make sure that the sac is not leaking. They will also check if the organs in the sac are healthy.

How is this treated?

This condition is treated with surgery to put the organs back in the abdomen.

Surgery may be done all at once during the baby's first few days of life. It may also be done in stages. Most babies will need to stay in the hospital until the surgery has been done.