Definition

Noun: A congenital condition, specifically a type of umbilical hernia, where some of the abdominal organs protrude into the base of the umbilical cord at birth.

Usage

"Exomphalos" is a medical term used primarily in clinical and surgical contexts to describe a specific birth defect. It is a countable noun.

Examples

• The neonatal team prepared for surgery immediately after diagnosing a large exomphalos.
• Exomphalos is often detected during routine prenatal ultrasound scans.
• The pediatric surgeon explained that the exomphalos contained loops of the infant's intestine.

Advanced Usage

• Giant exomphalos: A clinical descriptor for a large defect where a significant portion of the liver, in addition to intestines, is herniated.
  • Managing a giant exomphalos requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Variants and Related Words

• Omphalocele (n): The term most commonly used synonymously with "exomphalos" in modern medical literature.
• Umbilical hernia (n): A broader term; a simple umbilical hernia in infants is different and less severe than an exomphalos.

Synonyms

• Omphalocele (primary synonym)
• Congenital umbilical hernia (descriptive synonym)

Notes on Meaning

"Exomphalos" refers specifically to the congenital, present-at-birth condition. It is not used for umbilical hernias that develop later in life. The protruding organs are covered by a membranous sac, which distinguishes it from other abdominal wall defects.

Noun

1. an umbilical hernia at birth in which some abdominal organs push into the umbilical cord