Archocele, a term derived from the Greek words "arche" meaning beginning or origin, and "cele" meaning cavity or pouch, is a medical term that refers to a congenital abnormality characterized by the presence of a cyst or sac within the abdominal cavity. Specifically, an archocele is a rare condition in which an abnormal communication or connection forms between the developing gastrointestinal tract and the umbilical cord, resulting in the formation of an extra abdominal sac or pouch.
Typically, archocele occurs during embryonic development when the normal closure of the abdominal wall fails to occur properly. As a consequence, a portion of the intestine or other abdominal organs protrudes through the umbilical ring, leading to the formation of the sac. This sac might contain various abdominal contents such as loops of the bowel or parts of the liver.
Archocele is usually detected shortly after birth due to the visible presence of the sac protruding from the umbilical area. The condition requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to complications such as infection, obstruction, or damage to the abdominal organs.
Treatment for archocele commonly involves surgical intervention to repair the defect and prevent further complications. Surgeons aim to carefully return the abdominal contents to their proper position within the abdominal cavity and close the opening in the abdominal wall.
In summary, archocele is a congenital condition characterized by the presence of a pouch or cyst formed when the abdominal organs protrude through a defect in the abdominal wall near the umbilical area. Prompt medical intervention is necessary to repair the defect and prevent associated complications.
