Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 02/17/2009
Omphaloceles usually occur in full-term infants, more frequently in boys than in girls. A recent study found that the ratio is two girls to three boys.
The presence of an omphalocele often occurs with other birth defects, including:
- heart...
defects, such as the tetralogy of Fallot - imperforate anus, a malformation of the anorectal area of the gastrointestinal system
- urinary problems
- genetic disorders
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, with enlarged tongue, gigantism, and enlarged internal organs
- pentalogy of Cantrell, with malformations in the chest and abdominal area, including heart defects, and high mortality rate
To check for other congenital defects, x rays are usually taken of the heart, lungs, and diaphragm once the infant's condition has been stablized after birth.
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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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