What is Omphalocele?

Omphalocele is a congenital abdominal wall defect in which internal organs such as the intestines, liver, bladder, and stomach develop outside the body while the baby is growing in the womb. However, after a certain stage, these organs should be able to enter the body and continue their development. In rare cases, these organs cannot enter the body and remain outside the abdominal wall. Heart or chromosomal abnormalities can also occur in babies with omphalocele. During the developmental period between the 6th and 10th weeks of pregnancy, the intestines of the fetus lengthen and are pushed towards the umbilical cord. The intestines usually return by the 11th week of pregnancy. However, an omphalocele can occur when the intestines fail to return. In this condition, part of the baby's intestines can remain outside the umbilical cord, or other internal organs can protrude from the abdomen along with the intestines.

What are the factors that affect omphalocele formation?

Omphalocele is a congenital anomaly, and while its exact cause is unknown, certain risk factors have been identified. Factors that may contribute to the development of the condition include:

• Genetic causes: Omphalocele can sometimes be due to genetic factors. Individuals with a family history of omphalocele may be at increased risk.
• Alcohol and tobacco use: Women who drink alcohol or smoke heavily may be more likely to have a baby with omphalocele than those who do not use alcohol or tobacco.
• Medication use: The use of certain medications during pregnancy can increase the risk of omphalocele. Therefore, it is important to use medications under the supervision of a doctor during pregnancy.
• Environmental factors: Various environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of omphalocele, but more research is needed on this topic.

Research is ongoing to determine the exact causes of omphalocele. However, considering these risk factors and taking the necessary precautions is an important step in reducing the risk of the disease.

What are the symptoms of omphalocele?

Omphalocele (umbilical hernia) is a congenital condition in babies and its symptoms may include:

1. Swelling or mass in the belly area : There may be a noticeable mass or swelling around the baby's belly button.
2. Visibility of organs in the abdomen : It is possible to find intestines, liver or other abdominal organs in the swelling.
3. Open, unclosed area in the navel area : There may be a gap or open area around the navel that is not covered with skin.
4. Feeding problems : Omphalocele can sometimes cause feeding problems because the baby's normal digestive process may be affected.
5. Other congenital anomalies : Omphalocele is often associated with other congenital anomalies, so the baby may also have other health problems.

Once a diagnosis is made, the baby's condition is usually evaluated in more detail by a specialist doctor and a treatment plan is determined.

How Is Omphalocele Diagnosed?

Omphalocele can be diagnosed while the baby is still in the womb. The condition can be detected through ultrasound imaging during routine pregnancy follow-up. Additionally, some blood tests may reveal values ​​above normal ranges. Given the possibility of additional anomalies in diagnosed children, additional tests such as cardiological examinations may be necessary.

Omphalocele can sometimes be confused with other abdominal wall defects, such as gastroschisis. It is important to determine the type and extent of the abdominal wall defect to plan appropriate treatment. It is important for babies diagnosed with the condition in utero to be delivered in appropriate hospitals specializing in pediatric surgery. This allows for proper and timely treatment.

How is Omphalocele Treated?

Treatment depends on the type of omphalocele and any associated anomalies. It is generally categorized as minor omphalocele, umbilical cord herniation, or major omphalocele.

In most cases, omphalocele repair is performed surgically. However, the treatment plan may vary depending on the patient's condition and severity. In minor cases, a simple defect repair may be sufficient, while in major cases, more complex surgical procedures may be required.

In cases of major omphalocele, treatment may include mesh repair or staged surgical interventions. These procedures are important for the protection and normal development of the abdominal organs.

Treatment usually requires surgery, and it's important to closely monitor babies after surgery. Therefore, treatment should be performed by a specialist surgeon, followed by regular follow-up and follow-up visits.

At Which Week Does Omphalocele Become Distinct?

Omphalocele can usually be identified during ultrasound scans around the 11th week of pregnancy. Abnormalities in the baby's abdominal wall can usually be detected at this time. However, in some cases, omphalocele can be diagnosed earlier or later in pregnancy. In this case, it is possible to detect an omphalocele during an ultrasound scan at any stage during pregnancy. Above Form

How is Omphalocele Surgery Performed?

Surgery for omphalocele may vary depending on the extent and severity of the disease.

• Minor omphalocele cases: In cases of small omphalocele, the defect is surgically closed. Shortly after the baby's birth, the organs inside the sac located outside the abdominal wall are placed back into the abdomen, and the opening is closed.
• Major Omphalocele Cases: In cases of large omphalocele, i.e., major omphalocele, repair can be performed with a staged repair or a graft patch. In this case, because the liver and other internal organs are located externally, it may not be possible to place all the organs in the abdomen at once. Due to the baby's abdominal volume and lung problems, a complete surgical procedure may not be possible in one go. In this case, the surgery is performed gradually, over time, and with care.

Omphalocele surgery is usually performed by a specialist surgeon and is carefully planned to protect the baby's health. It's important for babies to be closely monitored and receive appropriate care after surgery.

What Should You Pay Attention to After Omphalocele Surgery?

Things to consider after omphalocele surgery can be listed as follows:

• Intensive care support: Intensive care support may be required in cases of major omphalocele. During this time, the baby's respiratory and circulatory systems are closely monitored and provided with necessary support.
• Presence of additional anomalies: In infants with omphalocele, additional anomalies, particularly cardiac, may impact treatment. Therefore, a complete evaluation of the infant and planning of additional treatments are important.
• Lung function and length of hospital stay: The baby's lung function and omphalocele size may affect the length of hospital stay. Babies with larger omphaloceles and breathing difficulties may require longer hospital monitoring.
• Monitoring for complications: After omphalocele surgery, the baby is closely monitored for common complications such as feeding difficulties, intestinal obstruction, and gastroesophageal reflux.
• Review of other conditions: After omphalocele surgery, other conditions requiring surgical repair, such as an inguinal hernia, can often arise.
• Feeding and bowel function: If the baby poops or gases after the surgery, feeding will begin and this process will be closely monitored.
• Hospitalization: The length of hospital stay may vary depending on the baby's post-operative recovery. Depending on the baby's condition, this can range from 3 to 15 days.

Following omphalocele surgery, a thorough evaluation and appropriate care are essential for the baby. During this time, it's crucial for parents to maintain close communication with their doctor and adhere to the recommended treatment plan.

How Should Babies With Omphalocele Be Delivered?

Babies with omphalocele can be delivered vaginally or by cesarean section, depending on the extent and nature of the condition. However, the size and nature of the omphalocele play a significant role in determining the mode of delivery.

In cases of small omphaloceles, especially those that do not involve the liver, vaginal delivery may be possible. However, to preserve the omphalocele sac and prevent organ rupture or potentially life-threatening bleeding, a cesarean section is usually recommended.

It's important for babies diagnosed with omphalocele to be delivered in well-equipped hospitals that offer specialized services, such as pediatric surgery and pediatric intensive care. This allows for swift and effective medical interventions during and after birth, maximizing the baby's health. Therefore, it's recommended that pregnant women diagnosed with omphalocele deliver in a medical center that offers these services.

What Happens If Omphalocele Is Not Treated?

If the disease is left untreated, a number of negative consequences can occur:

• Risk of infection: Omphalocele is a condition in which organs within the abdomen are located outside, so the risk of infection is high. These external organs are clearly exposed and can become infected, leading to serious health problems.
• Feeding problems: An omphalocele can cause feeding difficulties for the baby. The presence of the organs outside the body can interfere with or interfere with normal feeding function, making it difficult for the baby to receive adequate nutrition.
• Organ damage: External organs are more vulnerable to physical trauma or damage. If an omphalocele is left untreated, organ damage can occur, leading to serious health problems.
• Developmental issues: Omphalocele can interfere with a baby's normal development. If left untreated, this condition can negatively impact a baby's growth and development.
• Life-threatening: Most importantly, if an omphalocele is left untreated, the baby's life can be at risk. Complications such as infections, organ damage, and feeding problems can lead to serious health problems and even death.

Therefore, it is important for babies diagnosed with the condition to receive appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible. Surgery is often necessary to correct the omphalocele and protect the baby's health.