What are omphalocele and gastroschisis in newborns?
Sometimes babies are born with organs that are outside the body.
- With omphalocele (say "ahm-FAL-oh-seel"), the intestines and sometimes other organs sit outside the belly in a sac at the base of the belly button.
- With gastroschisis (say "gas-TRAWS-kih-sis"), the intestines stick out through a hole in the wall of the belly near the umbilical cord.
These are congenital conditions. This means your baby was born with them. Your baby may have been born with other problems too. Your doctor will address all your baby's problems in a treatment plan.
Your baby will need special care, such as being in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This may be scary for you. But the hospital staff understands this. They will explain what happens and will answer your questions.
How are omphalocele and gastroschisis in newborns treated?
- Your baby will get medicine to prevent infection. The medicine may be given through a blood vessel.
- Your baby's organs will be kept moist and protected in a special bag or wrapper.
- Your baby will have one or more surgeries to place the organs back inside the belly and close the opening. The surgeries may be done over time to allow the body to grow and make room for the organs. Your baby will be asleep during these surgeries.
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