Diaphragm hernia is a birth defect caused by a hole in the diaphragm, allowing organs to protrude through the opening. There are two types, Bochdalek and Morgagni, with the latter being rarer. Diagnosis is possible through physical exams, X-rays, and blood tests. Treatment involves surgery and follow-up visits.
A diaphragm hernia is a kind of birth defect. It is caused by a hole in the diaphragm that opens as the baby develops in the mother’s womb. Organs that would normally be present in the abdomen protrude through this opening.
There are two types of diaphragmatic hernias. When the hernia is present on the left side of the body, it is referred to as a Bochdalek hernia. With this type of congenital hernia, the stomach and intestines protrude through the opening of the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
In case the abnormal opening is on the right side, it is known as Morgagni’s hernia. The location of the hole means that the baby’s liver and intestines move upwards instead of remaining in the abdominal cavity. Of the two types of diaphragmatic hernias, Morgagni is the rarer form. It accounts for only two percent of all cases.
When a fetus is developing, the diaphragm forms between weeks 7 and 10 of pregnancy. If the diaphragm does not develop normally or part of the intestine is caught in the diaphragm during formation, a diaphragm hernia can form. Family history plays a role in how likely this type of congenital hernia will develop. If the parents have previously had a baby with a diaphragm hernia, their chances of the condition being present in a subsequent birth increase.
This type of hernia can be detected during a physical exam conducted shortly after birth. A chest X-ray may be ordered to examine your baby’s diaphragm, lungs, and intestines. A blood test may also be ordered to get an idea of the baby’s ability to breathe called arterial blood gas.
Once the diaphragm hernia has been diagnosed, your baby will likely be admitted to the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Once in the NICU, the newborn may be placed on a ventilator to help him breathe. Another option for doctors is to place the baby on a heart/lung bypass machine until the baby’s condition stabilizes and the diaphragm hernia can be treated.
Surgery is done to close the hole and repair the herniated diaphragm. Organs that have moved to the wrong location are put back where they should have been originally as part of the process. Regular follow-up doctor visits will be necessary for some time after the surgery to further monitor the child’s condition.
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