Which congenital abdominal wall defect is included among pediatric fecal diversion conditions?

• A. Omphalocele
• B. Appendicitis
• C. Abdominal trauma
• D. Gastroschisis

Answer: (A)

The situation tests understanding that some congenital abdominal wall defects in newborns may require fecal diversion as part of their surgical management. An omphalocele involves bowel and abdominal contents herniating into the umbilical cord with a protective sac, and these bowel segments are often edematous or otherwise fragile. Because of this, surgeons commonly use a staged approach that can include placing a temporary ostomy to divert stool, protect the bowel, and allow time for gradual reduction and safe eventual closure. This makes omphalocele a defect associated with fecal diversion in pediatric care.

In contrast, appendicitis and abdominal trauma are not congenital defects requiring a neonatal fecal diversion strategy, and gastroschisis, while another congenital abdominal wall defect, is typically managed with primary or staged closure without routine diversion.