Normally, the abdominal organs move back into the abdominal cavity towards the end of the 3rd month of pregnancy. If the abdominal organs remain outside the abdominal wall, i.e. if there is no displacement back into the abdominal cavity, the result is an abdominal wall defect with the abdominal organs displaced outwards and encased in a membrane sac. The umbilical cord hernia can be simple or very pronounced (“giant omphalocele”).
Diagnosis of umbilical cord hernia
As a rule, the diagnosis is made before the birth so that parents can be advised at an early stage and the pregnant woman can be referred to our Perinatal Center . This means that the treatment plan can be planned at an early stage by the interdisciplinary team from obstetrics, pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery and the birth can be optimally prepared.
After birth
After birth, in addition to monitoring the vital functions, the blood supply to the organs in the umbilical cord must be ensured. The abdominal wall is closed after the child has been transferred to the University Children’s Hospital Zurich and can be primary or delayed (secondary).