We describe our experience in managing congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in neonates.
From February 1995 to July 2014, 64 neonates diagnosed with CDH were managed. The medical records of these neonates were retrospectively reviewed.
There were 40 males and 24 females. CDH was on the left side in 44 cases (68.8%), on the right side in 19 cases (29.7%) and bilateral in 1 case (1.6%). Forty-six patients (71.9%) received surgical repair of the hernia while 18 patients (28.1%) died prior to surgery. The timing of surgery was mean 7.0 days after birth. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was used in six patients (9.4%), High-frequency oscillation ventilation was used in 49 patients (76.6%), and nitric oxide was used in 42 patients (65.6%). Thirty-three cases (71.7%) of CDH repair were done via open laparotomy, 3 cases (6.6%) by open thoracotomy. and minimally invasive thoracoscopic repair was done in 10 cases (21.7%). Ten cases (21.8%) required patch repair of the CDH. Barotrauma and pneumothorax of the contralateral lung was seen in 16 cases, leading to death in 15 of these cases. The overall survival rate was 48.4% (31/64) and postoperative survival rate was 67.4% (31/46). When all patients are divided into 3 groups by era and analyzed by logistic regression models, the mortality outcome of recent era (2009–2014) was significantly better than that of intermediate era (2002–2008) (29% vs. 71%, p=0.006) and tended to be better than that of past era (1995–2001) (42% vs. 71%, p=0.062).
The overall survival of neonates with CDH at our center has improved over the last two decades. Sixty-four neonates with CDH were managed at a single center and their overall survival was 48.4%. The risk factors for mortality include the occurrence of pneumothorax and right side lesions.
This is a survey on congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia, conducted by Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS). A registration form for each patient during the 5-year period between 2010 and 2014 and a questionnaire were sent to each member. Twenty-six members in 16 institutions returned completed forms. Total patients were 219. Prenatal diagnoses were done in 181 cases (82.6%). Preoperative mortality was 11.4%. Minimal invasive surgery was done in 61 cases (31.8%). Risk factors related with death were Apgar score, oxygenation index, preoperative pH and bicarbonate, O2 saturation, the presence of hernia sac, and the size of defect. The neonatal survival and 1-year survival of total patients were 77.6% and 75.3%.
Experimental tracheal ligation (TL) has been shown to reverse the pulmonary hypoplasia associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and to normalize gas exchange. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the TL would correct the surfactant deficiency present in the fetal rabbit model of CDH by using lamellar body count. Lamellar bodies are synthesized and secreted by the type II pneumocytes of fetal lung. The phospholipids present in these bodies constitute the major component of pulmonary surfactant. Twenty-one pregnant New Zealand rabbits underwent hysterotomy and fetal surgery on gestational day 24. Two fetuses of each pregnant rabbit were operated. In the fetus of one end of bicornuate uterus, left DH was created by excision of fetal diaphragm through open thoracotomy (DH Group). In the fetus of the other end of bicornuate uterus, left DH and TL were created (TL Group). The fetuses were delivered by Cesarean section on gestational day 31. Fourteen in control group, 12 in the DH group and 13 in TL group were born alive. En bloc excision of lungs, bronchi and trachea was done in all newborn rabbits. A five Fr catheter was inserted through trachea and repeated irrigations with 10 cc normal saline were done. The irrigated fluid was centrifuged at 280 xg for 5 minutes and the lamellar bodies were counted with the upper level fluid in platelet channel of electronic cell counter. The average lamellar body counts were 37.1 ± 14.2 × 103/µL in control group, 11.5 ± 4.4 × 103/#x00B5;L in DH group, and 6.5± 0.9 × 103/#x00B5;L in TL group. Lamellar body count in DH group was lower than in control group and did not increase after TL. This study shows TL has no therapeutic effect on decreased surfactant level of CDH and the pregnant rabbit is appropriate for the animal model of CDH.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been utilized in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients with severe respiratory failure unresponsive to conventional medical treatment. We retrospectively reviewed 12 CDH patients who were treated using ECMO in our center between April 2008 and February 2011. The pre ECMO and on ECMO variables analyzed included gestational age, sex, birth weight, age at the time of ECMO cannulation, arterial blood gas analysis results, CDH location, timing of CDH repair operation, complications and survival. There were 9 boys and 3 girls. All patients were prenatally diagnosed. Mean gestational age was 38.8 ± 1.7 weeks and mean birth weight was 3031 ± 499 gram. Mean age at the time of ECMO cannulation was 29.9 ± 28.9 hours. There were 4 patients who survived. Survivors showed higher 5 min Apgar scores (8.25 ± 0.96 vs. 7.00 ± 1.20,
Congenital diaphragmatic disease is one of the common major congenital anomalies, and its mortality remained still high despite recent medical advances. The aim of this study is to examine the clinical characteristics of congenital diaphragmatic diseases. A total of 39 patients with congenital diaphragmatic disease that underwent surgery from January, 1997 to December, 2009 at Pusan National University Hospital were included in this study. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The male to female ratio was 30:9. Six out of 39 cases died (NS) before surgery, 17 patients had Bochdalek's hernia (BH), 11 patients hiatus hernia (HH), 4 diaphragmatic eventration (DE), and 1 Morgagni hernia (MH). There were no differences in mean birth weight and mean gestational age. NS (83.3%). BH (35.3%) was diagnosed more frequently than other diseases in the prenatal period. Three patients (17.6%) of BH expired due to pulmonary hypoplasia and 1 patient had co-existing congenital heart disease. BH was diagnosed more frequently in the prenatal stage and had a higher motality rate than other conditions. Therefore, BH needs to be concentrated more than other anomalies.
There are considerable controversies in the management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. By 1997, early operation, routine chest tube on the ipsilateral side and maintainingrespiratory alkalosis by hyperventilation were our principles (period I). With a transition period from 1998 to 1999, delayed operation with sufficient resuscitation, without routine chest tube, and permissive hypercapnia were adopted as our practice. High frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) and nitric oxide (NO) were applied, if necessary, since year 2000(period II). Sixty-seven cases of neonatal Bochdalek hernia from 1989 to 2005 were reviewed retrospectively. There were 33 and 34 cases in period I and II, respectively. The neonatal survival rates were 60.6 % and 73.5 %, respectively, but the difference was not significant. In period I, prematurity, low birth weight, prenatal diagnosis, inborn, and associated anomalies were considered as the significant poor prognostic factors, all of which were converted to nonsignificant in period II. In summary, improved survival was not observed in later period. The factors considered to be significant for poor prognosis were converted to be nonsignificant after change of the management principle. Therefore, we recommend delayed operation after sufficient period of stabilization and the avoidance of the routine insertion of chest tube. The validity of NO and HFOV needs further investigation.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in the past was considered a surgical emergency requiring immediate operation. Several groups now advocate preoperative stabilization and delayed surgery. The treatment strategy for CDH in this institution is delayed surgery after preoperative stabilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of delayed surgery. A retrospective review of 16 neonates with CDH was performed. Surfactant, conventional mechanical ventilation, high frequency oscillation, and nitric oxide were utilized for preoperative stabilization as necessary. The difference in outcome between two groups differentiated by the duration of the preoperative stabilization periods with mechanical ventilation (≤ 8 hours and >8 hours) was determined. Chi-square test was used to analyze the data. There were 7 right-sided hernias and 9 left. The average duration of stabilization was 32.4 hours. Hepatic herniation through the defect was found in 6 cases and all died. The most common postoperative complication was pneumothorax. The mortality rate of the right side hernia was higher than the left (85.7% vs. 33.3%, p=0.036). Mortality rate of the group (N=8) whose preoperative stabilization period was 8 hours or less was better than that (N=6) whose preoperative stabilization period was more than 8 hours (25.0% vs. 83.3%, p=0.031). The overall mortality rate was 56.3%. The better prognosis was noticed in left side hernia, no liver herniation, or shorter preoperative stabilization period.
This is a case report of a sliding hiatal hernia with severe gastroesophageal reflux (GER) after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia(CDH). It was not possible to determine whether the hiatal hernia is a de novo lesion which was missed at the original operation or a consequence of overzealous repair of the Bochdalek defect at the expense of weakening of the diaphragmatic crura. This case demonstrates that a sliding hiatal hernia can be a cause of severe gastroesophageal reflux that should be managed surgically.