Omphalocele repair

Alternative names:

omphalocele closure

Risks:

Risks for any anesthesia are:

• reactions to medications
• problems breathing because of the anesthetic

Risks for any surgery are:

• bleeding
• infection

Additional risks include:

• Breathing difficulties may occur as a result of increased pressure in the abdomen when the omphalocele is closed. In this case, mechanical ventilation may be necessary.
• peritonitis
• temporary paralysis of the small bowel (paralytic ileus)

If a large portion of the small bowel is damaged, the infant may have problems digesting and absorbing feedings.