How Is Omphalocele Treated

Extremely large omphaloceles are not surgically repaired until the baby grows. They are treated by placing painless drying agents on the omphalocele membrane. Babies may stay in the hospital anywhere from one week to months after surgery, depending on the size of the defect.

How do you fix omphalocele?

The repair is performed the following way: Right after birth, a plastic pouch (called a silo) or a mesh-type of material is used to contain the omphalocele. The pouch or mesh is then attached to the baby’s belly. Every 2 to 3 days, the doctor gently tightens the pouch or mesh to push the intestine into the belly.

Is omphalocele an emergency?

Omphalocele repair surgery will be needed to repair the hole in the abdominal wall. Omphalocele surgery is not an emergency and is usually done within a couple days after birth.