Diaphragmatic hernia repair (congenital)
Definition:
Surgery to repair a diaphragmatic hernia. This defect includes a hole in the large dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen (diaphragm), allowing the abdominal organs to pass into the chest cavity. This defect interferes with breathing.
Description:
While the child is deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), an incision is made in the upper abdomen, under the ribs. The abdominal organs are gently pulled down through the opening in the diaphragm and positioned into the abdominal cavity. The hole in the diaphragm is repaired and the incision is stitched closed. A tube is placed in the chest to allow air, blood, and fluid to drain so the lung can reexpand.
Indications:
When the diaphragm develops with a hole in it, the abdominal organs can pass into the chest cavity. The lung tissue on the affected side is compressed, fails to grow normally, and is unable to expand after birth. As the child begins to breathe, cry, and swallow, air enters the intestines that are protruding into the chest. The increasing size of the intestines puts pressure on the other side of the chest, lung, and heart and can quickly cause a life-threatening situation.
The indications for a diaphragmatic hernia repair include:
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