Omphalocele
Pronunciation: om-FAL-oh-seel
Congenital abdominal wall defect where organs protrude through the umbilicus, covered by a membrane.
Full Definition
Omphalocele is a congenital abdominal wall defect occurring at the base of the umbilical cord, where abdominal organs herniate through the defect and are covered by a translucent membrane composed of peritoneum and amnion. Unlike gastroschisis, the protruding organs are contained within a protective sac. The condition affects approximately 1 in 4,000 births and often requires staged surgical repair depending on the size of the defect. Associated anomalies occur in up to 70% of cases, making comprehensive evaluation essential.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with gastroschisis in medical documentation; omphalocele has a covering membrane while gastroschisis does not.
In Context
- "The surgical team opted for staged closure of the giant omphalocele using a synthetic mesh." — operative report
- "Prenatal ultrasound revealed an omphalocele with liver herniation." — radiology report