Diaphragmatic Hernia Overview
Learn About Diaphragmatic Hernia
A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle between the chest and abdomen that helps you breathe. The abnormal opening allows part of the organs from the belly to move into the chest cavity near the lungs.
Hernia - diaphragmatic; Congenital hernia of the diaphragm (CDH)
A diaphragmatic hernia is a rare defect. It occurs while the baby is developing in the womb. The diaphragm is not fully developed. Due to this, organs, such as the stomach, small intestine, spleen, part of the liver, and the kidney may take up part of the chest cavity.
CDH most often involves only one side of the diaphragm. It is more common on the left side. Often, the lung tissue and blood vessels in the area do not develop normally either. It is not clear if the diaphragmatic hernia causes the underdeveloped lung tissue and blood vessels, or the other way around.
Forty percent of babies with this condition have other problems as well. Having a parent or sibling with the condition increases the risk.
Severe breathing problems usually develop shortly after the baby is born. This is due in part to poor movement of the diaphragm muscle and crowding of the lung tissue. Problems with breathing and oxygen levels are often due to underdeveloped lung tissue and blood vessels as well.
Other symptoms include:
- Bluish colored skin due to lack of oxygen
- Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
A diaphragmatic hernia repair requires surgery. Surgery is done to place the abdominal organs into the proper position and repair the opening in the diaphragm.
The infant will need breathing support during the recovery period. Some infants are placed on a heart/lung bypass machine to help deliver enough oxygen to the body.
Sjhmc Physician Services
Sumeet Mittal is a General Surgeon in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Mittal and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hiatal Hernia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Hernia, Endoscopy, and Gastrostomy. Dr. Mittal is currently accepting new patients.
Arizona Bariatric And Laparoscopic
Thomas Buddensick is a General Surgeon in Tempe, Arizona. Dr. Buddensick has been practicing medicine for over 15 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Obesity, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Hiatal Hernia, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastrectomy.
Banner - University Physician Specialists LLC
Nathaniel Soper is a General Surgeon in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Soper and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Diaphragmatic Hernia. His top areas of expertise are Hiatal Hernia, Achalasia, Choledocholithiasis, Gallbladder Removal, and Endoscopy. Dr. Soper is currently accepting new patients.
The outcome of surgery depends on how well the baby's lungs have developed. It also depends on whether there are any other congenital problems. Most often the outlook is good for infants who have a sufficient amount of working lung tissue and have no other problems.
Medical advances have made it possible for more than one half of infants with this condition to survive. The babies that survive will often have ongoing challenges with breathing, feeding, and growth.
Complications may include:
- Lung infections
- Other congenital problems
There is no known prevention. Couples with a family history of this problem may want to seek genetic counseling.
Summary: Hiatal hernia can present with a wide range of symptoms. An usual surgical repair technique usually includes Nissen fundoplication, while other procedures are less frequently employed. However, recurrence and reoperation rates remain high. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of Nissen and Dor fundoplication in preventing hiatal hernia recurrence and reducing the risk of r...
Summary: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs when the diaphragm fails to fully fuse and leaves a portal through which abdominal structures can migrate into the thorax. In the more severe cases, the abdominal structures remain in the thoracic cavity and compromise the development of the lungs. Infants born with this defect have a decreased capacity for gas exchange; mortality rates after birth have...
Published Date: April 28, 2023
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Crowley MA. Neonatal respiratory disorders. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 66.
Harting MT, Hollinger LE, Lally KP. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia and eventration. In: Holcomb GW, Murphy JP, St. Peter SD, eds. Holcomb and Ashcraft's Pediatric Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 24.
Kearney RD. Neonatal resuscitation. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 159.