When the doctor told you after the scan that your baby had an Omphalocele, you must have felt a great sense of fear and shock. Or you may have been surprised to see something like this after the baby was born and couldn't even imagine what had happened. It's very common. But don't worry. This is a condition that can be successfully managed in medical science. So, let's talk about everything simply and clearly today.
What is Omphalocele?
Simply put, Omphalocele is a condition that is present from birth. What happens is that the baby's abdominal organs (such as intestines and liver) protrude through the navel. But these protruding organs are not just there. They are covered and protected by a thin, transparent membrane . It looks like a small, transparent bag with some of the abdominal organs protruding. This membrane is made of the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen.
How can something like this happen?
To understand this, you need to know a little about what happens in the early stages of a baby's development in the womb.
Imagine, between the 6th and 10th weeks of pregnancy, when the baby's body is growing rapidly, the baby's intestines are a bit longer, so there is not enough room inside the abdomen and they temporarily protrude towards the umbilical cord. This is completely normal .
What should normally happen is that by about 11 weeks , the baby's stomach will open up and the intestines that came out will go back into the stomach.
However, if for some reason this intestine does not return to the abdomen, then a condition called Omphalocele occurs.
It's important to note that this is not your fault. This is a problem that occurs during the baby's development.
Are there types of omphalocele?
Yes, Omphalocele can be divided into two main types based on the size of the organ that has come out.
| Omphalocele type | Description |
|---|---|
| Small Omphalocele | Only part of the intestines have come out. The opening in the abdomen is usually smaller than 5 centimeters. |
| Giant Omphalocele | In this case, many of the abdominal organs (such as the intestines, liver, and spleen) may have protruded. The opening is larger than 5 centimeters. |
Can other problems arise with this situation?
Yes, about two-thirds of babies with omphalocele may have other health problems as well. That's why doctors pay special attention to this as well.
- Chromosomal abnormalities: This may be associated with some genetic conditions.
- Heart malformations: The baby may have some heart defects.
- Poor lung development: Due to the protruding abdominal organs, there may be insufficient space in the chest and the lungs may not develop properly.
- Digestive system problems: Things like bowel dysfunction can occur.
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: This is a condition characterized by symptoms such as a large tongue and low blood sugar levels.
Doctors carefully examine the baby before and after birth to see if there are any other problems like this.
What are the risk factors for developing omphalocele?
Although it is not possible to say exactly what causes this, research has found that certain things may slightly increase the risk of this condition.
| Risk factor | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Mother's age | Children born to mothers over the age of 35 may have a slightly increased risk. |
| Alcohol and smoking | Drinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy can have very negative effects. |
| Genetics | Omphalocele can occur with certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Trisomy 13, 18, or 21. |
| Mother's health conditions | Conditions such as maternal obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure can increase the risk. |
| Some medications | There is evidence that some medications taken without medical advice, especially some antidepressants (SSRIs), may increase the risk. |
How do doctors detect this?
This condition is often detected before the baby is born, during a prenatal ultrasound scan during your pregnancy. Usually, a scan done in the second or third trimester can clearly show the baby's organs developing outside the womb.
Once an omphalocele is diagnosed, the doctor will often order a special scan called a fetal echocardiogram to check for any problems with the baby's heart.
In very rare cases, if this is missed during a scan, the condition becomes apparent immediately after the baby is born. If this happens, the medical team will take all necessary steps immediately.
How is it treated?
The treatment for omphalocele is surgery. However, the way this surgery is performed depends on several factors.
- The size of the omphalocele (whether it is small or large).
- The baby's overall health.
- Was the baby born on time or prematurely?
- Check whether the membrane covering the protruding organ is intact and not broken.
Treating a Small Omphalocele
If the baby has a small omphalocele, surgeons will perform surgery soon after the baby is born. This involves carefully placing the protruding organs back into the abdomen and closing the opening in the abdominal wall. This can help prevent infection and damage to the organs.
Treatment of a Giant Omphalocele
If the baby has a large Omphalocele, meaning a lot of organs have come out, the surgery is not done all at once. It is done in several stages .
Imagine if you tried to put a lot of big things in a small bag at once, there would be not enough space, and you can't put all these organs inside the baby's small stomach at once. Doing so could cut off the blood supply to the organs, increase the pressure inside the stomach, and make it difficult for the baby to breathe.
So, doctors slowly push the organs back into the abdomen over a period of days or weeks. During this time, the organs that are outside are covered with a sterile sheet to prevent infection. After the baby's abdomen has grown large enough to accommodate all the organs, the final surgery is performed to close the opening.
Babies with such a large Omphalocele may sometimes have difficulty breathing due to underdeveloped lungs. In such cases, the baby is given the support of a ventilator until they can breathe on their own.
What will the baby's future be like?
This is the biggest question on every parent's mind.
If the baby only has an omphalocele condition, meaning there are no other major health problems, after a successful surgery, the baby can make a full recovery and live a normal life.
However, as we discussed earlier, if there are other complications such as heart defects or chromosomal problems, the baby's future health will also depend on those things.
Overall, the survival rate for babies born with omphalocele is as high as 95%. However, these statistics can be affected by other health problems. Your doctor can best explain your baby's condition. Talk to him/her openly about this.
When should I talk to the doctor after surgery?
When you bring your baby home after surgery, there are a few things you should be aware of. If you notice any of the symptoms below, call your doctor right away.
| Symptoms to watch out for | Description |
|---|---|
| Fever | If your baby's body temperature feels higher than normal. |
| Redness or swelling of the wound | If the skin around the surgical site is red, swollen, and feels hot to the touch. |
| Something oozing from the wound | If something like pus, fluid, or blood is coming out of the wound. |
| Vomiting | If your baby continues to vomit, especially if the vomit is green , it could be a sign of an intestinal blockage. |
The fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that you feel when you find out that your baby has a birth defect like this is overwhelming. But you are not alone. Your doctor and the medical team at the hospital are always there to help you and your baby. Talk to them about any questions or concerns you may have. They will explain everything to you about the birth process and the treatment plan for your baby afterward.
Take-Home Message
- Omphalocele is a problem that occurs during the baby's development, not the fault of the parents.
- Often, this condition can be detected through a scan before the baby is born, allowing for early preparation for necessary treatment.
- The treatment is surgical, and the method is determined by the size of the omphalocele and the baby's health.
- Unless there are other major health problems, most babies recover completely and lead normal lives after surgery.
- Talk openly with your doctor and medical team about any questions or concerns you may have. They are always ready to support you.
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