omphalocoeles

An omphalocele is a rare birth defect in which the infant's intestines, liver, or other organs stick outside the body through a hole in the belly button area. The protruding organs are covered by a thin, transparent membrane. This condition is a type of gastroschisis, which is a different abdominal wall defect where the organs protrude without a membrane. Omphaloceles can vary in size, from small defects containing only a portion of the intestine to large defects involving multiple organs. The exact cause of omphalocele is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to an issue during fetal development when the abdominal wall does not close completely. It is often detected during routine prenatal ultrasounds, allowing for planning of treatment. The management of an omphalocele typically involves surgical repair after birth to return the organs to the abdominal cavity and close the abdominal wall defect. The prognosis is generally good, especially for smaller omphaloceles, although larger ones may require more complex surgical interventions and may have associated health issues.