What is the outcome for a fetus with omphalocele?
The outcome depends on the size of omphalocele and the presence of other defects, particularly chromosome abnormalities. Fetuses with small or medium-sized omphaloceles and no other problems do extremely well with surgical repair after birth. Fetuses with other abnormalities, particularly chromosomal defects, do poorly due almost entirely to the associated anomaly, and not necessarily the omphalocele itself. Fetuses with very large or so-called ‘giant’ omphaloceles, even when not associated with other problems, have a very difficult time after birth. Most will survive with a series of difficult operations after birth to return the organs to the abdomen and close the abdominal wall. This can be done with a series of operations in the neonatal period (placement of a silo and staged reduction). Or, the repair can be delayed months or years if an appropriate covering of skin can be arranged. A few of these babies will be left with life-long problems including breathing and feeding difficul
