In omphalocele, some of the internal organs protrude through the abdominal muscles in the area around the umbilical cord.
Omphalocele may be minor, involving only a small portion of the intestines, or it may be severe with most of the abdominal organs, such as the intestines, liver, and spleen, outside the body.
Abdominal wall defects, specifically gastroschisis and omphalocele, are rare and occur in only once in every 5000 births.
Children with abdominal wall defects may need additional services, especially those with omphalocele and associated chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects.
More serious defects involving herniation of abdominal contents outside the infant's body are omphalocele and gastroschisis.