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.
Recent population-based studies have reported the preva-
lence of CDH to be between 1 in 2600 and 1 in 3700 live
births.1,2 Approximately 80% are left sided, less than 5% are
bilateral, and 15% are right sided.1,2 The size of the defect
varies from small (2 or 3 cm) to very large, involving most of
the hemidiaphragm. Despite advances in neonatal resuscita-
tion and intensive care, newborn infants with CDH continue
to have high mortality. Current survival rates in population-
based studies are around 5570%.1,2 Highly specialized centers report 80% and more, but discount the hidden
mortality, mainly in the antenatal period. The high mortality
and morbidity in CDH are mainly attributed to pulmonary
hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension.3,4
