A new method for non operative treatment of giant omphalocele

Abstract EN

The incidence of omphalocele is approximately, 1 in 500 live born.

More than 50% have other serious defects.

Ideal treatment would be primary closure which is not always possible.

When the defect is large (>10 cm), the infant has a small abdominal cavity or in cases of suspected chromosomal anomalies, non operative management using topical application of escharotic agent is a reasonable choice of treatment.

Thirty Five patients were treated for omphalocele at Assiut University hospital, Pediatric surgery unit between years 1998 and 2004, using topical application of paste of Acacia Nilotica mixed with gentian violet to the intact sac twice daily for variable periods.

The sac changes to a very tough structure without any infection or any other local or systemic complications and the skin creeps under it and it takes off gradually leaving a ventral hernia for later repair.

Non operative management of large omphalocele with Acacia Nilotica is a good initial treatment.