Closure Surgery

What is closure surgery?

Closure Surgery happens at different ages and times depending on your child’s surgeon and the size of their Omphalocele. Closure surgery is when the surgeon places the organs into the abdominal cavity and bring the muscle and skin together. Sometimes there is not enough room in the abdomen or enough muscle/skin to fully bring together so mesh or a graft may be placed.

Different Closure Surgeries:

• Primary Repair:

  • Small Omphalocele- Surgeon will place all organs back into abdomen and close the muscle and skin.

  • Large Omphalocele there may not be enough room in the abdomen so the surgeon may place organs back into the abdomen but will use an absorbable material to connect the muscle together and the skin closes on top.

• Staged Repair:

  • Often this is also considered the Silo method in which a surgical sac is place around the outside organs and raised up, once the organs have retreated back into the abdomen the surgeon will remove the silo and close the small hole in the abdomen.

  • However, some children with Giant Omphaloceles have staged repair in which the surgeon places one or two of the organs in and closes then when the child gets bigger they will have another surgery to place the rest of the organs into the abdomen. This can also happen if your child has a bowel obstruction or other complications prior to time of Primary Repair.

    • Information from Nationwide Childrens

  Recovery:

  • Recovery is different for everyone. Your child may spend some time in the hospital post surgery for a couple days. It’s suggested to bring some of your child’s favorite things like blanket, stuffed animal, books or small toys as well as a favorite snack for when the surgeon gives the okay to eat and drink. If you are staying in the hospital for a couple days check in with Child Life-they often can bring you toys or activities.

Questions to ask before the closure surgery?

• What’s the average length we will be in the hospital?

• Can we (parents) spend the night ?

• What can we bring into the hospital room?

• What are some common complications?

• What are the limitations with recovery?

• How do we treat the surgery site?

• Will my child have any drains after surgery and what will those look like?

Scar Healing:

• Every child heals differently and every scar is different. Your surgeon may “make” a belly button as well.

• Always Consult your doctor on questions and concerns with how your child’s scar is healing.

Potential Complications: Please Consult your Surgeon to go over all possible complications

• Infection

• Breathing Problems

• Feeding Problems