Dec 30, 2009
An omphalocele is a congenital defect in which internal organs such as the liver, stomach, and intestines, are on the outside of the abdomen, at the umbilical cord, instead of being located inside the body. These abdominal cavity contents are enclosed in a thin, transparent, membranous sac that is actually formed inside the umbilical cord tissue. An omphalocele repair is a surgical procedure in which the organs are returned to the inside of the body, and the opening in the abdominal wall is closed. Whenever possible, a normal-looking belly button is created.
The internal organs need to be enclosed inside the abdomen for protection against injury, and to ensure that the tissue remains properly hydrated. The omphalocele repair is necessary to return the tissue to the...
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