Diaphragmatic Hernia

A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when there is an opening in the diaphragm that allows the contents of the stomach, small intestine, spleen, liver, or kidney to appear in the chest cavity. Approximately 1 in 2,200 to 5,000 live births will be affected.

Because there are other organs in the chest cavity, the lungs are not able to develop properly. Symptoms of a diaphragmatic hernia include an empty feeling abdomen, bowel sounds in the chest, respiratory complications, bluish colored skin, decreased oxygen levels and a fast heart rate.

Breathing is difficult because of the underdeveloped lung and also because the lung tissue is crowded with other organs. A diaphragmatic hernia can be diagnosed during a prenatal ultrasound. The ultrasound will show organs in the chest cavity. Because of the severity of the defect, surgery is necessary to put the organs in their proper place. After the surgery, infants will require a breathing machine until the lungs have recovered. Fetal surgery can be performed if the hernia is discovered early enough.