Exomphalos (Omphalocele) is a weakness of the baby’s abdominal wall where the umbilical cord joins it. This weakness allows the abdominal contents, mainly the intestines and the liver to protrude outside the abdominal cavity where they are contained in a loose sac that surrounds the umbilical cord. As the contents are lying outside it, the abdominal cavity often does not develop properly and remains small in size. The cause of this condition is unknown and is a rare problem occurring in about 1 in 4000 pregnancies.
About half of all babies with Exomphalos will have problems affecting other body systems. Most commonly affected are the heart as well as chromosome abnormalities. Following delivery, intravenous fluids provide nourishment until surgery can proceed. Type of surgery will depend on size of Exomphalos. The majority of these cases will be diagnosed antenatally.
Patient Information Leaflet (Nov 2023): web version / print version
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