Diaphragmatic Hernia(Hernia—Diaphragmatic; Congenital Hernia of the Diaphragm)Pronounced: Die-uh-frag-mat-ic hur-nee-uh by Diana Kohnle DefinitionDiaphragmatic hernia is a congenital defect in which an opening is present in the diaphragm at birth. The diaphragm is the partition separating the chest and abdominal cavities. The abnormal opening allows some of the organs typically found in the abdomen to move into the chest cavity. In infants born with diaphragmatic hernia, the abdominal organs push up against the lungs. This prevents the lungs from developing normally. Diaphragmatic hernia is a serious condition with many potential complications and side effects. CausesDiaphragmatic hernia is caused by a failure of the diaphragm to completely fuse during fetal development. Diaphragmatic Hernia—Stomach and Intestines Move into Chest Cavity Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Risk FactorsSeveral chromosomal syndromes are associated with an increased chance of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. SymptomsSymptoms include:
DiagnosisDiagnosis is frequently made on prenatal ultrasound. If not found prior to birth, your doctor will perform a physical exam. A chest x-ray may be done to confirm the presence of abdominal organs in the chest cavity. TreatmentTreatment includes the following: SurgerySurgery to repair the defect and move the organs into the abdomen is performed after the infant has been stabilized. Surgery involves either sewing the edges of the diaphragm together, or if the hole is too large, using an artificial patch to fully close the hole. Fetal surgery may be offered at some institutions for select patients. Respiratory SupportAggressive respiratory support, including intubation with mechanical ventilation, is often needed. Different ventilator strategies may be used. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or cardiopulmonary bypass, may be necessary to stabilize the infant. American Academy of Pediatrics American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Health Canada The Hospital for Sick Children Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.cincinn.... Updated January 2011. Accessed May 22, 2013. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated February 9, 2012. Accessed May 22, 2013. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The Fetal Treatment Center. The University of California, San Francisco website. Available at: http://fetus.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/cdh/. Updated May 23, 2012. Accessed May 22, 2013. Last reviewed May 2013 by Marcin Chwistek, MD; Brian Randall, MD |
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