Omphaloceles are repaired with surgery, although not always
immediately. A sac protects the abdominal contents and allows
time for other more serious problems (such as heart defects) to
be dealt with first, if necessary. To fix an omphalocele, the
sac is covered with a special man-made material, which is then
stitched in place. Slowly, over time, the abdominal contents are
pushed into the abdomen. When the omphalocele can comfortably
fit within the abdominal cavity, the man-made material is
removed and the abdomen is closed. Sometimes the omphalocele is
so large that it cannot be placed back inside the infant's
abdomen. The skin around the omphalocele grows and eventually
covers the omphalocele. The abdominal muscles and skin can be
repaired when the child is older to achieve a better cosmetic
outcome.