Surgery must be delayed until the baby is doing well if the omphalocele sac is intact. Small omphaloceles are repaired immediately to prevent infection or tissue damage. Larger omphaloceles may require gradual reduction by enlarging the abdominal cavity to accommodate the intestinal contents. (Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates)

Fetuses with other abnormalities, particularly chromosomal defects, do poorly due almost entirely to the associated anomaly, and not necessarily the omphalocele itself. (University of California)

If the omphalocele is above the umbilicus there may be other defects involving the diaphragm, sternum, and heart. If the omphalocele is below the umbilicus there may be other defects affecting the bladder, rectum, and lower spinal cord. (American Pediatric Surgical Association)