No one knows the exact reason why your abdominal wall didn’t develop properly before you were born.
During normal development before birth, the intestine is located for a short time in the umbilical cord outside the body. This is called umbilical hernia. Normally, the intestine is back inside the abdominal cavity at the time of birth. The abdominal organs are located in the abdominal cavity. The inside of the abdominal cavity is covered by a thin membrane. This thin membrane also surrounds all the organs in the abdomen. The organs can move against each other thanks to this thin membrane.
In your case, the umbilical hernia has not completely receded. This means that your intestine is outside the abdomen. Part or all of the liver may also be outside the abdomen. The abdominal organs are surrounded by thin membranes. If these membranes tear, the abdominal organs may become inflamed. Some of your other organs may also have failed to develop properly. If the heart or the kidneys, for example, do not work properly, there may be other symptoms.
Having abdominal organs outside the body can make you seriously ill.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.