The omphalocele corresponds to the malformation of the abdominal wall during the fetal development process, with the presence of organs, such as the intestine, liver and spleen, outside the abdominal cavity.
This congenital disease can be diagnosed between the 8th and 12th gestation by means of imaging tests performed during pregnancy and early diagnosis is efficient with regard to the preparation of the medical team for delivery, as it is likely that the baby will be submitted surgery after birth to place the organ in its correct place, avoiding complications.
Main causes
The cause of omphalocele is not yet well established, however it occurs during fetal development and can happen due to changes in the positioning of the intestine, remaining in the outer part of the abdominal cavity. In some cases, it can still be noticed not only the intestine out of the abdominal cavity, but also other organs, mainly the liver and spleen. These organs are covered by a membrane, which, if ruptured, can result in serious infectious processes.
In some cases, omphalocele may also be related to genetic changes, being considered not only a congenital disease, but also a genetic one.
How is the diagnosis
Omphalocele can still be diagnosed during pregnancy, especially between the 8th and 12th pregnancies, through ultrasound examination. After birth, the omphalocele can be perceived through a physical examination performed by the doctor, in which the presence of organs outside the abdominal cavity is observed.
After assessing the extent of the omphalocele, the doctor determines which is the best therapeutic approach, with surgery being performed immediately, when small, or in stages, when the omphalocele is extensive. In addition, the doctor may perform other tests, such as echocardiogram, X-ray and blood tests, for example, to check for the occurrence of other diseases, such as genetic changes, diaphragmatic hernia and heart defects, for example.
How the treatment is done
Treatment is done through surgery, which can be done soon after birth or after a few weeks or months according to the extent of the omphalocele, other health conditions that the baby may have and the doctor's prognosis. It is important that treatment is done as soon as possible to avoid possible complications, such as the death of intestinal tissue and infection.
Thus, when it comes to a smaller omphalocele, that is, when only a portion of the intestine is outside the abdominal cavity, the surgery is performed shortly after birth and aims to place the organ in the correct place and then close the abdominal cavity..
In the case of severe omphalocele, that is, when not only the intestine but also the liver and spleen are out of the abdominal cavity, the surgery is done in stages so as not to harm the baby's development. This is because if all the organs are placed at once, the baby's abdomen may not be able to handle it. The abdominal cavity is also closed by surgery after all the organs are placed inside the abdominal cavity.
In addition to surgical removal, the doctor may recommend that an antibiotic ointment be applied, carefully, to the pouch that lines the exposed organs, in order to reduce the risk of infections, which can be serious especially when the membrane that lines the organs breaks.
