Acute gastrointestinal compromise in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia prior to repair

Abstract

Background Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) affects 1 in 3000 live births. Modern management strategies include delayed repair of the diaphragm to permit pre-operative optimization of cardiorespiratory status. We describe a cohort of neonates in whom early emergency operative intervention was required for potentially fatal intestinal compromise. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all neonatal CDH patients managed at a tertiary center in an 8-year period (2005–2012). Results A total of 126 CDH patients were managed during the 8-year period. Five neonates (male – 1; gestation 37 + 4–39 + 7; birth weight 2.9–3.7 kg; left CDH – 5) required emergency operative intervention for p..