When is an omphalocele repair done?

Omphalocele repair is typically performed soon after birth, usually within the first few days of life. The exact timing of the surgery depends on several factors, including the size of the omphalocele, the overall health of the baby, and the presence of any other medical conditions.

In some cases, omphalocele repair may be performed in stages. For example, if the omphalocele is very large, the surgeon may initially place a silo or mesh over the defect to gradually reduce its size before closing it completely.

The goal of omphalocele repair is to safely return the abdominal contents back into the baby's abdomen and close the abdominal wall defect. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and may require the use of special surgical techniques to minimize risks and ensure a successful outcome.