ABSTRACT
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a malformation characterized by a defect in the posterolateral diaphragm, the foramen of Bochdalek, through which the abdominal viscera migrate into the chest during fetal life. It is a fairly common malformation, occurring at a reported frequency of 1 in 3500-5000 births in recent population-based studies.1 Approximately 20% are right sided, 1-4% are bilateral, and close to 80% are left sided.1,2 In spite of recent advances in neonatal intensive care, the mortality rate remains high – in some series as high as 60%3 – and the infant with CDH thus presents a challenge to every pediatric surgeon. The mortality and morbidity are usually caused by concomitant pulmonary hypoplasia.
