ABSTRACT
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a common 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. CDH can be reliably diagnosed prenatally by ultrasonography at about 20 weeks of gestation. CDH was previously considered a surgical emergency, where prompt surgery was performed with reduction of the abdominal viscera, thereby allowing the lungs to expand. The increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of CDH has led to a different approach, where prolonged preoperative stabilization has proven useful. Postoperative care should be performed in the same manner as preoperatively, with a close watch on fluid management, ventilator, support and hemodynamic monitoring. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) has also been frequently reported in CDH survivors. Clinical characteristics of CDE vary widely from being asymptomatic to severe respiratory distress, bronchitis, pneumonia, or bronchiectasis. CDE patients present with associated malformations such as hypoplastic lung, congenital heart disease, or cryptorchidism.
