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Omphalocele is a condition in which the intestines noticeably protrude from the umbilicus (navel) at birth. A minor condition which is superficially similar is an umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia does not usually indicate a significant problem—an omphalocele, however, does.

Many children with omphalocele have other associated birth defects. The likelihood of additional problems hinges not so much on the omphalocele, but whether he has other related abnormalities. You mentioned, for example, that at 10 months he weighs 24 pounds. If he has very large parents, then it simply may be that he has recovered well from his newborn surgery. If, on the other hand, his parents are of average size it may be important to know whether he has an unusual condition called Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

Children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome have omphalocele, tend to be strikingly large for their age, often have a relatively large tongue, and may have had low blood sugar in the early newborn period. Children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome are at increased risk for developing malignancies in their abdominal organs and are usually followed with periodic ultrasound examinations. If you have questions about Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, talking with a pediatric geneticist may be helpful.