Inferior vena cava anomalies associated with giant omphalocele--a proposed classification.

Thirteen patients with hepatomphaloceles were investigated pre-operatively by an inferior venocavogram as to the shape of the eviscerated liver and the course of the inferior vena cava. Roentgenographic findings correlated with operative findings and three distinct patterns of anomaly were seen. Type 2 and particularly Type 3 are likely to be associated with severe post-operative complications if the peculiar anatomy is not recognized beforehand. We feel that a pre-operative inferior venocavogram and determination of type of anomaly is mandatory in planning the treatment of these patients.