What is an omphalocele?
An omphalocele is a birth defect where your baby’s intestine or other abdominal organs (such as the spleen and liver) protrude out of the abdomen and into the base of the umbilical cord. Whatever is outside of the abdomen is covered with a thin membrane (which is one of ways this condition different from gastroschisis, a similar defect).
Omphalocele occurs very early in pregnancy when the abdominal cavity fails to form normally. The abdominal cavity is normally formed at three to four weeks gestation when the disk-like embryo undergoes infolding. A large or “giant” omphalocele forms when there is a failure of lateral infolding of the embryo, resulting in an inadequate abdominal cavity with containment of the abdominal organs only by a thin clear membrane called the omphalocele sac.
Smaller omphaloceles, also referred to as “hernia of the cord,” form later (eight to 11 weeks gestation) after normal infolding of the embryo occurs (resulting in a formed abdominal cavity). When the umbilical ring fails to close around the umbilical cord it results in a small defect that usually contains only intestine. Small omphaloceles are more likely to be associated with chromosomal defects or syndromes.
Older mothers have a higher risk of having babies born with an omphalocele. It’s a rare defect that occurs in one in about every 4,000 to 7,000 births. Many babies with an omphalocele have other birth defects as well.
How is the condition diagnosed?
The diagnosis of omphalocele is made by ultrasound as early as 12 weeks. Since babies with omphaloceles are more likely to have birth defects, your doctor will discuss diagnostic testing for chromosomal or genetic abnormalities. An amniocentesis may be done to evaluate for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic syndromes. You will meet with a genetic counselor who will further explain the results of all this testing. Your baby’s heart will be closely evaluated to detect any abnormalities, and a fetal echocardiogram may be ordered if a heart defect is suspected.
Your doctor will monitor your pregnancy very closely in consultation with our maternal-fetal specialists. You will have serial ultrasounds to see how the baby is growing and to check for other physical problems with the baby. Our nurse navigator will arrange for you to meet with specialists who will take care of your baby after birth. These specialists include neonatologists and pediatric surgeons. You may also meet with other specialists, such as pediatric cardiologists and geneticists, if your baby has other problems. You will be offered a tour of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where your baby will be cared for immediately after birth and also after the surgical repair of the omphalocele.
Your doctors will recommend the method of delivery that is safest for you and your baby depending on the size and contents of the omphalocele. If the omphalocele is small and does not involve the liver, a vaginal delivery may be possible. Babies with large omphaloceles or with the liver in the omphalocele are delivered by C-section to protect the omphalocele and prevent organs from rupturing or bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
How is an omphalocele treated?
At birth, your baby’s belly will look like there is clear sac filled with liquid. You may be able to see through the sac and see the bowel or other organs. Your baby’s umbilical cord will be on top of the sac. While your baby is in the delivery room the sac will be kept moist and covered with plastic to protect the bowel. Particular attention is paid to breathing assistance, as babies with giant omphaloceles typically have small lungs and often require a breathing tube and ventilator. Your baby will need to be in a special unit called the NICU, which takes care of sick babies after birth. The neonatologist and pediatric surgeon will work together to decide when it is best for the baby to have surgery.
If your baby’s omphalocele is small, surgery may be done soon after birth. The pediatric surgeon will return the bowel and other organs into the belly and close the opening. If the omphalocele is larger, your baby’s belly will need to grow enough to make room for the organs before surgery can be done. The repair would then be done in stages. If the sac ruptures before it is repaired, the baby will need to have surgery right away.
Sometimes the omphalocele can be too large to repair right away. Skin will grow to cover the sac with the help of medication, good skin care and nutrition. If this happens, your baby will then have surgery to close the belly muscles in six to 12 months when the belly is larger. Babies waiting to grow before surgery often go home with their families once they are eating well and the family has learned the how to change the dressing and protect the sac.
How will an omphalocele affect my baby during and after surgery?
The survival rate is over 90 percent if the baby’s only issue is an omphalocele. The survival rate for babies who have an omphalocele and serious problems with other organs is about 70 percent. Babies with small omphaloceles and no associated birth defects generally have good outcomes with close follow-up by their pediatric surgeon and pediatrician. Your baby may have some feeding difficulty, reflux, growth delays and bowel obstruction and could have long-term breathing problems. Your baby may be more prone to sickness than other babies, so close follow-up with your pediatrician will be important.
Photo credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
Contact us
Do you have questions about your pregnancy and wonder if our services could be of assistance? Patients may contact our nurse navigator through the email form below or at 844-542-4602 to discuss your unique situation and determine if the Fetal to Newborn Care Center is right for you.