A newborn is found to have a large central abdominal wall defect containing liver and bowel. The viscera are covered by a glistening membrane continuous with the umbilical cord, and the cord inserts onto the apex of this membrane. The most likely diagnosis is:
- A Omphalocele ✓
- B Gastroschisis
- C Patent urachus
- D Cloacal exstrophy
Correct answer: A. Omphalocele
Explanation
Omphalocele is a herniation through the umbilical ring with the contents covered by a sac of peritoneum and amnion, into which the cord inserts centrally. Gastroschisis is a paraumbilical defect to the right of the cord with eviscerated bowel that has no covering sac, and the cord inserts normally. Liver involvement is typical of large omphaloceles and is rare in gastroschisis.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.