Omphalocele

So far all we knew for sure is that Bean has an omphalocele (om.). We are still waiting for final results of the amnio. I'm trying to educate myself as  much as possible so I can go to my doctor's appointments understanding what the doctors are telling us. I also want to be able to ask educated questions of our care specialists.  I am recommending you don't Google the term om. The images are not pretty.  I'm borrowing much of the following text from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

An omphalocele is a birth defect known as a ventral wall defect, which involves the abdominal (belly) area of the fetus. Omphalocele causes the abdominal organs to herniate (protrude) into the base of the umbilical cord. 

With omphalocele, the size of the herniation can vary from small (containing only a portion of the small intestine) to very large (containing most of the abdominal organs). 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. Herniation of the fetal liver is frequently associated with a small abdominal size and pulmonary hypoplasia (small lungs), two factors that can complicate the postnatal (after delivery) course.

The size of the omphalocele and the degree of liver involvement determine the level and type of treatment.

If the omphalocele is small and does not involve the liver, the baby may be delivered vaginally. After birth, omphalocele surgery, called the primary repair, can help return the exposed abdominal organs to the abdominal cavity and the omphalocele is closed during the procedure.

In the event of a giant fetal omphalocele, a Cesarean delivery is usually required to avoid membrane rupture and trauma to the liver. After delivery, the exposed organs are covered with a sheet of protective material and gradually return to the abdominal cavity with the aid of gravity over a period of several days. Once the organs have been returned to the abdominal cavity, the omphalocele surgery can close the abdomen. Surgery to close the abdominal wall defect may be postponed some six to 12 months to allow the abdominal cavity to enlarge as the baby grows.

Yesterday I spoke with my regular OB doctor. Dr. Evers, going off the notes of the specialist, said it is most likely Bean has a giant om. because the liver is involved.  I have another ultrasound scheduled for July 13th.