Exomphalos also known as omphalocele is a kind of abdominal defect often seen in newborns. In most natural cases the large intestines and major digestive organs develop in the umbilical cord and then gently slip into the abdominal cavity. However, in the case of exomphalos, the intestines do not take their position in the abdominal cavity and remain in a thin membrane in the umbilical cord.
Types Of Exomphalos
Soon after birth, exomphalos can be recognized by doctors because it appears as a bulge outside the abdomen. The bulge may be big or small. A small lump with an opening of less than 4 cm and containing only the intestines is called exomphalos minor while a bigger bulge that has a wide opening and containing the intestines and liver wrapped in a thin membrane is called exomphalos major.
How Is Exomphalos (Major) Detected?
Doctors offering exomphalos major treatment in Siliguri suggest that with the advancement in medical technology, most cases of exomphalos (major) can be screened in ultrasounds. Once detected, doctors get a chance to discuss the case with the parents and decide the further course of action and mode of delivery to be adopted.
Surgery For Treatment Of Exomphalos (Major)
The treatment of exomphalos major involves a one-stage surgery where the doctors operate to place the intestines back into the abdominal cavity. Performed under general anesthesia, the hole of the intestine is closed near the end of the umbilical cord.
If the hole is considerably large a patch of skin from some other part may be used to seal the opening and a dressing is placed over the closed tissues to help in faster healing.
To secure the intestines in the new space of the abdominal cavity, the doctors may use a mesh sac to hold onto the intestines and prevent them from further slipping. Following the repositioning, the skin and tissues are closed up and allowed to heal naturally.
Risk Associated With Exomphalos (Major) Treatment
Like most other surgeries, exomphalos (major) surgery may also carry the risk of certain complications that can be ruled out with a little care and attention. Most surgeons minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery, doctors sealing the affected blood vessels. Similarly, the chances of damage to other organs in the abdominal activity are quite rare though not impossible.
Since exomphalos major treatment in Siliguri is usually performed on newborns or infants that are a few weeks old, anesthesia may pose another challenge and complications. Diet both before and after the surgery is subject to parenteral nutrition which may add further complications.
Recovery After The Surgery
Post-surgery, the child is shifted to the intensive care unit where he is monitored closely for all health parameters. The child continued to be fed parenteral nutrition inserted into their veins.
As the child starts recovery and is more stable, they may be given breast milk or bottle feed through a nasal gastric tube. Once the post-surgery scans reveal the correct positioning of the intestines in the abdominal cavity, the doctors send the child home with instructions for further care.
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