In cases of minor omphalocele, the defect is surgically closed. Shortly after birth, the organs within the sac outside the abdominal wall are placed inside the abdomen, and the opening is closed.

However, major omphalocele requires staged repair or repair with a graft patch.

In infants with major omphalocele, where the liver and internal organs are involved, the organs outside the abdomen may not be able to be placed inside in a single procedure. Both the limited abdominal volume of the infant and potential lung problems may prevent a single-stage surgical repair. In this case, a staged surgical approach may be necessary.