Successful lung response after surgical repair in an infant with right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition associated with pulmonary complications as the abdominal viscera herniated into the chest may affect lungs development. We present the case of a male newborn baby with a prenatal diagnosis of a posterolateral defect (Bochdalek hernia) involving the right side. The infant underwent surgical repair at 3 days of life, and the post-surgery chest X-ray did not reveal morpho-structural alterations of the lungs and diaphragmatic profile. Our clinical case shows that patients may have a better lung outcome despite an initial unfavorable picture. Prenatal diagnosis is essential in identifying infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, especially those cases at higher risk for the worse outcomes, to optimize their clinical and surgical management.

Keywords

• Bochdalek hernia
• Newborn
• Neonatal surgery
• Respiratory outcome