Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 02/17/2009
The infant will need to spend some time after the surgery in the intensive care unit. Because infants are unable to properly regulate their temperature, they are placed in special beds that are kept warm. They will usually need oxygen and a...
breathing tube to help them breathe for a while. The breathing machine is referred to as mechanical ventilation, or a ventilator. This machine helps the baby breathe at the right depth and frequency for his or her age, allowing the infant to conserve energy for other functions. An infant that is struggling for air spends much energy on breathing, which slows the healing process.
Once the bowels are moving normally, feedings will be slowly started. Feedings are usually first done through a nasogastric tube so the infant does not need to use energy for sucking and swallowing. Sucking on a pacifier is avoided because this could cause the bowel to expand with air and slow down the healing process. Until the nasogastric tube is used, the infant will be fed intravenously. The intravenous line provides the infant with needed antibiotics, pain medication, and fluids.
Infants with an omphalocele may spend quite some time, perhaps several months, in the hospital before being discharged home. It may take them some time to learn to feed through normal infant sucking and swallowing. Their development may be delayed, and they may require help for months as they catch up to the physical and mental development that is normal for their age. If the parents do not live near the hospital, they should be encouraged to spend as much time with their infant as possible to ensure infant-parent bonding. When the repair is done in stages, it can be difficult for the parents to remain patient. The birth of a child with a birth defect can be quite emotionally difficult for the parents. Individuals trained to assist parents through this time should meet with them to provide information and support.
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Other Information
Definition:
Omphalocele repair is surgery to repair a birth defect in which all or parts of the small intestine, liver, and large intestine stick outside of the abdomen.
For information on the condition itself, see: Omphalocele
Description:
The procedure is similar to gastroschisis repair.
The goal of surgery is to place the abdominal organs back into the body and to repair the defect, if possible. If this can not be done immediately, a sac is created to hold and protect the intestines, which are slowly pushed back into the abdomen over a few weeks.
Immediately after delivery, the baby's exposed organs are covered with warm, moist, sterile dressings. A nasogastric (NG) tube is inserted through the baby's nose or mouth into the stomach to keep the stomach empty. This prevents choking and breathing stomach contents into the lungs.
While the baby is under general anesthesia (asleep, no pain), the surgeon makes a cut to remove the sac surrounding the organs. The intestine is examined closely for signs of damage or additional birth defects. Damaged or defective parts are removed and the healthy edges are stitched together.
A tube may be inserted into the stomach and out through the skin.
Additional surgery may be needed to repair the abdominal muscles at a later time.
Other Information
an obstetrician/gynecologist is a physician specialist who provides medical and surgical care to women and has particular expertise in pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the reproductive system.
From: womenshealthchannel.com
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