What is Omphalocele Repair ?

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Why do you need Omphalocele Repair ?

Omphalocele repair is indicated for:

  • Omphalocele:
    • A congenital defect (1 in 4,000–6,000 births) where abdominal organs herniate through the umbilical ring, covered by a sac.
    • Types: Small (<5 cm, intestines only); giant (>5 cm, includes liver, 30–50% of cases).
    • Symptoms: Visible sac at birth containing organs; often associated with prematurity.
  • Associated conditions:
    • Chromosomal anomalies (e.g., trisomy 13/18, 30–50%); cardiac defects (20–40%); part of syndromes like Beckwith-Wiedemann.
  • Timing:
    • Small: Primary closure shortly after birth (24–48 hours).
    • Giant: Staged repair—initial sac protection, gradual reduction over weeks/months, final closure at 6–12 months.

The procedure aims to return organs to the abdominal cavity, close the defect, and support organ function, often requiring staged approaches for giant omphaloceles due to limited abdominal space.

Why Do Omphalocele Repair Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Omphalocele Repair Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Prenatal ultrasound: Detects omphalocele (as early as 12–14 weeks gestation).
      • Postnatal exam: Confirms sac size, contents (intestines, liver), and sac integrity.
      • Echocardiogram: Assesses heart defects (20–40% of cases).
      • Genetic testing: Screens for chromosomal anomalies (e.g., karyotype for trisomy).
    • Stabilization: Sac wrapped in sterile saline-soaked gauze and plastic to prevent infection; IV fluids; temperature control.
    • Consent: Risks, including infection, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Omphalocele Repair:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–3 hours (primary) or staged over months (giant).
      • Approach:
        • Primary closure: For small omphaloceles (<5 cm); sac excised, organs reduced, abdominal wall closed in one surgery.
        • Staged closure: For giant omphaloceles; sac left intact, painted with protective agents (e.g., silver sulfadiazine) to form eschar, or silo bag used to gradually reduce organs over weeks, final closure at 6–12 months.
      • Repair:
        • Primary: Sac removed, organs returned, abdominal wall sutured; synthetic patch (e.g., Gore-Tex) used if defect large.
        • Staged: Gradual reduction (manual or silo); final closure with sutures or patch.
      • Umbilicus: Reconstructed for cosmetic outcome.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Silo bag (staged): Temporarily houses organs.
      • Sutures/patch: Closes defect.
      • Sterile drapes: Maintains asepsis.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 1–4 weeks (primary); 2–6 months (staged, NICU).
    • Care: Mechanical ventilation (if needed, 1–7 days); feeding via total parenteral nutrition (TPN) initially.
    • Pain management: Mild to moderate pain for 3–7 days; managed with IV analgesics (e.g., fentanyl).
    • Instructions: Monitor for bowel function; gradual introduction of oral feeding.

Recovery After Omphalocele Repair

  1. Hospital Stay: 1–4 weeks (primary); 2–6 months (staged, NICU).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Ventilation: Often required for 1–7 days (primary) or longer (staged), depending on respiratory status.
    • Feeding: TPN for 2–6 weeks (primary) or months (staged); oral feeding starts once bowel function returns (2–4 weeks, primary).
    • Pain/Swelling: Mild to moderate pain for 3–7 days; incision swelling resolves in 1–2 weeks.
    • Bowel function: May be delayed; motility improves over weeks.
    • Activity: Normal infant activities once off TPN; avoid pressure on abdomen.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
    • Ultrasound: At 1–3 months to check for bowel obstruction or hernia.
    • Developmental assessment: At 6–12 months for milestones (e.g., feeding, growth).

Full recovery varies; primary repairs heal in 4–6 weeks, while staged repairs take 6–12 months. Survival rate: 70–90% (lower in giant omphaloceles or with chromosomal anomalies); outcomes depend on associated conditions.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Infection (5–10%): At incision site or sepsis; treated with antibiotics.
    • Bleeding (2–5%): Intra-abdominal; may need transfusion.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to general anesthesia; rare in stable infants.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Abdominal compartment syndrome (2–5%, primary): Pressure from closure; may need decompression.
    • Wound dehiscence (2–5%): Abdominal closure opens; needs re-suturing.
    • Bowel obstruction (5–10%): Due to adhesions; may need surgery.
    • Hernia (10–20%): At repair site; may need surgery later.
  • Long-Term:
    • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD, 30–50%): Managed with medication.
    • Growth delays (20–30%): Due to feeding issues; needs nutritional support.
    • Chromosomal anomalies (30–50%): Impact overall prognosis (e.g., trisomy 18).

Report fever, vomiting, poor feeding, or abdominal distension promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes omphalocele?

Failure of abdominal wall closure during fetal development; associated with chromosomal anomalies (e.g., trisomy 13/18).

Can I avoid omphalocele repair?

No, surgery is necessary to protect organs and enable feeding; non-surgical care only stabilizes pre-surgery.

Is omphalocele repair painful?

Mild to moderate pain for 3–7 days, managed with IV analgesics; infants recover with proper care.

How soon can my child resume normal feeding?

Primary: 2–4 weeks; staged: Months; normal feeding patterns may take longer.

Is omphalocele repair covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for congenital defects; confirm with your provider; Ayushman Bharat often subsidizes.

Signs of complications?

Fever, vomiting, poor feeding, or abdominal distension.

Will my child have normal growth and development?

70–90% survive; growth varies—chromosomal anomalies and feeding issues may impact development; needs ongoing care.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Monitor feeding, manage GERD, attend follow-ups (growth, development), and watch for hernia.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Omphalocele Repair

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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