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omphalocele
Pronunciation: om-FAL-oh-seal
A congenital abdominal wall defect where abdominal organs protrude through the umbilical cord opening, covered by a membrane.
Full Definition
Omphalocele is a birth defect in which the infant's intestine or other abdominal organs stick out of the navel through the umbilical cord area. The organs are covered by a thin, nearly transparent sac that rarely ruptures. This condition occurs when the abdominal muscles don't form properly during fetal development. Omphalocele may be associated with other birth defects and genetic conditions, requiring immediate surgical evaluation and often staged surgical repair.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from gastroschisis, which has no covering membrane.
In Context
- "Prenatal ultrasound detected a large omphalocele requiring delivery at a tertiary center." — Ultrasound report
- "The newborn with omphalocele was immediately evaluated by pediatric surgery." — Delivery room notes
Also known as
exomphalos
Don't confuse with
gastroschisis
umbilical hernia