Definition

1. Noun:
   • A congenital medical condition where a newborn's intestines and sometimes other abdominal organs protrude through an opening in the abdominal wall near the navel (belly button). This occurs due to a failure of the abdominal muscles to close properly during fetal development. It is typically present at birth and often requires surgical correction, though in some minor cases it may resolve on its own.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ultrasound revealed the fetus had an omphalocele, so the medical team prepared for specialized care after delivery.
  • Surgery to repair the omphalocele was scheduled for the infant's first week of life.
  • Unlike gastroschisis, an omphalocele is covered by a protective membrane.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used almost exclusively in medical and clinical contexts, particularly in pediatrics, neonatology, and prenatal diagnosis.
• It is often discussed in relation to other congenital anomalies, as an omphalocele can sometimes be associated with genetic syndromes or heart defects.

Variants and Related Words

• Exomphalos (n): A synonymous medical term for omphalocele.
• Hernia (n): A general term for the protrusion of an organ through the wall of the cavity that normally contains it. An omphalocele is a specific type of congenital abdominal hernia.

Synonyms

• Exomphalos

Antonyms

• There is no direct antonym, but the normal, closed state of the abdominal wall at birth is the contrasting condition.

Related Phrases / Collocations

• Giant omphalocele: Refers to a large defect containing the liver and other organs.
• Omphalocele repair: The surgical procedure to correct the condition.
• Prenatal diagnosis of omphalocele: The detection of the condition before birth, typically via ultrasound.

Noun

1. protrusion of the intestine and omentum through a hernia in the abdominal wall near the navel; usually self correcting after birth