An omphalocele (uhm-FA-lo-seal) is a congenital (present at birth) abnormality in which a baby’s abdominal organs stick out through an opening at their belly button. Omphalocele, also known as exomphalos, is a birth defect of the abdominal wall. The infant's intestines, liver, or other organs stick outside of the belly through the belly button.

Understanding the Context

The organs are covered in a thin, nearly transparent sac that usually is intact at birth. Omphalocele is a rare birth defect that occurs in 1 in 4,000 — 7,000 live births. It is a type of abdominal wall defect in which the bowel, liver and other abdominal organs extend into the abdomen near the base of the umbilical cord. Omphaloceles is a birth defect that causes certain organs to form outside the body.

Key Insights

Learn about prognosis and omphaloceles treatment for babies and kids. An omphalocele or omphalocoele, also known as an exomphalos, is a rare abdominal wall defect. [1] Beginning at the 6th week of development, rapid elongation of the gut and increased liver size reduces intra abdominal space, which pushes intestinal loops out of the abdominal cavity. Information on omphalocele, including diagnosis, causes, outcomes, surgical repair after birth, and support resources. An omphalocele is caused by an abnormal opening (defect) in the middle of the abdominal wall at the bellybutton (umbilicus).

Final Thoughts

The skin, muscle, and fibrous tissue are missing. An omphalocele is an abdominal wall defect that allows the intestine to remain outside the abdomen. An omphalocele can contain parts of the intestine, liver and other organs. The goal of surgery is to place the abdominal organs back into the baby’s body and repair the defect in the wall of the belly.