Staged repair of giant omphalocele in the neonatal period.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of giant omphalocele repaired in the neonatal period.

METHODS: Twelve consecutive (1997-2004) neonates with giant omphalocele (defect >6 cm with liver herniation) were reviewed. A silo of Prolene mesh (Ethicon) was attached to the fascia and the defect was closed without opening the amniotic sac after sequential reduction. In 2 neonates with ruptured omphalocele a plastic sheet was inserted below the mesh. Data are reported as median and range.

RESULTS: Gestational age was 38 weeks (range, 32-40 weeks) and birth weight was 2.9 kg (range, 1.0-3.1 kg). The final closure was achieved at 26 days (range, 16-62 days). Three neonates (25%) died before final closure (causes: ruptured omphalocele, lung hypoplasia, cardiac anomalies, and intestinal failure). In the 9 surviving neonates, mechanical ventilation was required for 8 days (range, 2-20 days), hospital stay was 42 days (range, 23-73 days), and full enteral feeding was achieved on day 12 (range, 4-53 days). Complications included wound infection in 5 neonates and midgut volvulus in 1. Prophylactic Ladd's procedure was performed laparoscopically at a later stage in 4 children. At laparoscopy, intraperitoneal adhesions were minimal and the central liver did not preclude the operation. The 9 survivors are all well after 46 months (range, 12-67 months).

CONCLUSIONS: Giant omphalocele can be safely repaired in the neonatal period without opening the amniotic sac. Intestinal malrotation should be excluded and Ladd's procedure can be performed laparoscopically at a later stage.