User:Mr. Ibrahem/Omphalocele

Omphalocele is a birth defect of the abdominal wall in which the intestines, liver or other organs stick out through the belly button. The organs are covered in a thin and nearly clear sac. Complications may include infection, insufficient blood flow, and small lungs.

The cause is generally unclear. Risk factors include alcohol, smoking, obesity, and certain medications. It may be associated with other syndromes including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, trisomy 21, or pentalogy of Cantrell. The underlying mechanism involves failure of the intestines to return to the abdomen by the 11th week of pregnancy. Diagnosis may occur before birth via blood tests or an ultrasound or after birth.

Management depends on the size of the omphalocele. If small, surgery may be done soon after birth. If large, the organs may be covered with a special material and slowly pushed back in over time. Mechanical ventilation may be required to support poorly developed lungs. Long term survival is about 80% with the outcome mostly determined by associated abnormalities.

Omphalocele occurs in about 1 in 4,200 births. Males are affected more often than females. The condition was first described in the 16th century by Ambrose Pare. The condition was clearly differentiated from gastroschisis in 1953.