Health Library

Diaphragmatic Hernia

Definition

Diaphragmatic 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.

Causes

Diaphragmatic hernia is caused by a failure of the diaphragm to completely fuse during fetal development.

Diaphragmatic Hernia—Stomach and Intestines Move into Chest Cavity
Herniated Diaphragm
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Risk Factors

Several chromosomal syndromes are associated with an increased chance of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • Severe respiratory distress, including rapid breathing, grunting, use of accessory muscles, and bluish tint to the skin from lack of oxygen
  • Asymmetrical or increased diameter of the chest wall
  • Concave abdomen

Diagnosis

Diagnosis 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.

Treatment

Treatment includes the following:

Surgery

Surgery 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 Support

Aggressive 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.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for diaphragmatic hernia.

Resources

American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.org
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org

Canadian Resources

The Hospital for Sick Children
http://www.sickkids.ca

References

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/diaphragmatic-hernias. Updated January 2011. Accessed May 22, 2013.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. 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.