Single institution review of operative management of giant omphalocele

Purpose

Operative management of giant omphalocele that cannot be closed primarily varies based on several factors, and there is little data to guide choice of operative approach and how this impacts long-term outcomes. We aimed to characterize whether surgical approach – staged closure during the neonatal period, or delayed closure – affects outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of children treated for giant omphalocele who did not undergo primary closure at Children's Hospital Colorado from 2010–2022. We included patients with giant omphalocele who underwent treatment at the study site. Data collected included patient characteristics, clinical course, and outcomes. Comparisons were made based on type of closure, delayed versus staged.

Results

We identified 24 patients; 6 delayed and 16 staged. 2 patients died prior to closure. Delayed and staged groups did not differ regarding demographics. Infants undergoing staged repair tended to have more total hospital and total ventilator days, and more post-closure ventral hernia requiring repair; short-term outcomes were otherwise comparable. There was no difference between groups in long-term outcomes, including neurodevelopmental milestones and mortality.

Conclusions

Long term outcomes are equivalent between staged repair and delayed repair of giant omphalocele. However, staged repair may be associated with more ventilator days, total hospital days and higher risk of ventral hernia.