A case series of successfully managing exomphalos major with awake graduated compression dressing and early enteral feeding

Abstract

Introduction: Exomphalos anomaly is defined as the herniation of abdominal viscera into the base of the umbilical cord, with only a membranous sac covering these contents. It has an incidence of approximately 1 in 4000–6000 births. Management of exomphalos major (EM) remains controversial and limited, with very few studies to guide decision-making. Method: This is a case series of four neonates with EM treated at a tertiary paediatric referral centre between 2018 and 2021 with a gradual compression dressing technique. Results: Four neonates were diagnosed with EM. The average gestational age was 38 + 5 (range 38 + 2 – 39 + 2), and the average birth weight was 3.1 kg (range 2.56 – 3.49 kg). The defect size ranged between 5 and 7 cm. All patients were commenced on gradual compression dressing between days 1 and 3 of life. Dressings were applied at the bedside in the general neonatal ward. The average time taken to reach full feeds was 1 week; only one patient required parenteral nutrition. Three underwent surgical repair at two and 16 weeks of age; one had delayed repair at the age of 1 year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. None required patch repair. None required prolonged ventilation after repair. Conclusion: This case series describes a successful compression dressing technique that reduces sac content without the need for general anaesthetic or respiratory compromise, whereby simultaneous enteral feeding is tolerated.