Although diaphragmatic eventration in newborn infants is generally regarded as a rare condition, the need for accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention according to the etiological factors is well known. Recently the authors experienced five consecutive cases of diaphragmatic eventration below the age of two months(one to 55 days) requiring surgery. All were in males, and were left sided. Respiratory symptoms were present in 4 patients, and one patient showed inability to gain weight. Diaphragms were elevated to the level of the third to fifth intercostal spaces. Diaphragmatic plication through the abdomen gave excellent results. There was no postoperative mortality.

Mesenteric and omental cysts are rare lesions in childhood. These cysts are morphologically and pathologically similar to lymphangiomas that occur in other parts of the body. From 1980 to 1997, 8 children were diagnosed and treated for mesenteric or omental cysts. Their ages ranged from 18 days to 6 years. There were 5 boys and 3 girls. The main presenting symptom was abdominal pain. Operative procedures were complete cysts excision, complete excision with intestinal resection, or complete excision with intestinal resection and colostomy. Accurate preoperative diagnosis was possible with the current ultrasonographic imaging techniques. Complete excision of the lesion was possible in all patients and results were excellent.