Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun In pathology, a rupture at the navel; umbilical hernia.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun (Med.) A hernia at the navel.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A hernia of the navel

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun protrusion of the intestine and omentum through a hernia in the abdominal wall near the navel; usually self correcting after birth

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word omphalocele.

Examples

  • If the omphalocele is small and does not involve the liver, a vaginal delivery might be possible.

    Omphalocele 2010

  • Once the organs are returned to the abdomen, the omphalocele is closed surgically.

    Omphalocele 2010

  • The diagnosis of omphalocele is usually made by ultrasound, in many cases following an elevated second trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein test.

    Omphalocele 2010

  • A giant omphalocele is seen in approximately 1 in 10,000 births and occurs when the majority of the liver protrudes into the umbilical cord.

    Omphalocele 2010

  • If the omphalocele is small and does not involve the liver, the baby may be delivered vaginally.

    Omphalocele 2010

  • View larger image » An omphalocele is a birth defect known as a ventral wall defect, which involves the abdominal (belly) area of the fetus.

    Omphalocele 2010

  • When a giant omphalocele is present, the majority of the liver protrudes into the umbilical cord.

    Omphalocele -- Hughes 2010

  • An omphalocele is a birth defect that causes the abdominal organs to herniate or protrude into the base of the fetus's umbilical cord.

    Omphalocele -- Hughes 2010

  • After birth, the exposed abdominal organs are returned to the abdominal cavity and the omphalocele is closed during a surgical procedure, called a primary repair.

    Omphalocele 2010

  • Once the organs have been returned to the abdominal cavity, the omphalocele is closed surgically.

    Omphalocele 2010

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.

  • An omphalocele is a type of abdominal wall defect in which the intestines, liver, and occasionally other organs remain outside of the abdomen in a sac because of a defect in the development of the muscles of the abdominal wall. The sac protrudes in the midline, through the umbilicus (navel).

    It is normal for the intestines to protrude from the abdomen, into the umbilical cord, until about the tenth week of pregnancy, after which they return to inside the fetal abdomen.

    The omphalocele can be mild, with only a small loop of intestines present outside the abdomen, or severe, containing most of the abdominal organs. In severe cases surgical treatment is made more difficult because the infant's abdomen is abnormally small because it had no need to expand to accommodate the developing organs.

    An omphalocele is often detected through AFP screening or a detailed fetal ultrasound. Genetic counseling and genetic testing such as amniocentesis is usually offered during the pregnancy. Some cases of omphalocele are due to an underlying genetic disorder.

    January 7, 2007