Recovery and Going Home after Abdominal Wall Closure: Omphalocele and Gastroschisis (9 of 11)

Babies born with abdominal wall defects remain at the hospital until they are strong enough to go home, where many will require ongoing care. http://fetalsurgery.chop.edu.

Experts from the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia explain the variation in the length of stay for infants with abdominal wall defects. How long babies stay in the hospital depends on the severity of the omphalocele or gastroschisis, and the overall condition of the infant.

Infants are monitored for common complications of omphalocele, such as feeding difficulties, bowel obstruction and gastroesophageal reflux. Babies with omphalocele also frequently have inguinal hernias, another condition that requires surgical repair.

Babies with giant omphalocele may stay in the N/IICU for several months to make sure they can breathe without a ventilator, tolerate feeds, and gain weight and grow.

Many babies still require care at home. Parents of children born with abdominal wall defects at CHOP are trained by nurses and doctors to care for their children at home.