As in omphalocele, the abdominal cavity may be small and replacement of the bowel into the cavity may require several weeks in which the abdominal cavity is gently stretched to accommodate the mass. The bowel is surgically replaced in the abdomen and the defect closed if there is adequate room. If the abdominal cavity is too small, a mesh sack is sutured around the margins of the abdominal defect and the edges of the defect are pulled up. Gravity draws the herniated intestine back into the abdominal cavity, slowly stretching it to the point where the defect can be closed.
Recovery is good if the abdominal cavity is relatively large enough.
A very small abdominal cavity may result in complications requiring additional surgery. It may also be detected on routine fetal ultrasound exams. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.