In an omphalocele, how are the abdominal organs presented?

In an omphalocele, how are the abdominal organs presented?

• A. Completely internal
• B. External but covered by a sac
• C. Partially exposed without a covering
• D. Fully exposed

Answer: (B)

In the case of an omphalocele, the abdominal organs are presented as external but covered by a sac. An omphalocele is a congenital defect in which the abdominal wall does not close completely and the intestines or other abdominal organs protrude through the umbilical area. However, unlike other conditions where organs may be completely exposed, in an omphalocele, these organs remain enclosed within a protective membrane or sac. This sac is made up of amniotic tissue and supports the organs, which is crucial for reducing the risk of infection and damage until corrective surgery can be performed. This characteristic distinguishes omphaloceles from other types of abdominal wall defects such as gastroschisis, where the organs are typically exposed without any protective covering.

In the case of an omphalocele, the abdominal organs are presented as external but covered by a sac. An omphalocele is a congenital defect in which the abdominal wall does not close completely and the intestines or other abdominal organs protrude through the umbilical area. However, unlike other conditions where organs may be completely exposed, in an omphalocele, these organs remain enclosed within a protective membrane or sac. This sac is made up of amniotic tissue and supports the organs, which is crucial for reducing the risk of infection and damage until corrective surgery can be performed. This characteristic distinguishes omphaloceles from other types of abdominal wall defects such as gastroschisis, where the organs are typically exposed without any protective covering.