In some children, the diaphragm, a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity, does not develop completely. This affects around 3 in 10,000 newborns, mostly on the left side. The consequence of this incomplete separation between the chest and abdominal cavity is that intestinal loops and other abdominal organs move into the chest cavity. This can sometimes be seen on ultrasound during pregnancy, but sometimes it only becomes apparent after birth. A congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. However, there are great differences in its course, so that many children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia can later lead a carefree life.

The extent of the lung damage or its developmental disorder, which is associated with the diaphragmatic hernia, is decisive for the course of the disease. Due to this developmental disorder of the lungs, many children are unable to breathe adequately on their own after birth, or are only able to do so for a short time. They require support ranging from enriching the air with oxygen to a complete replacement of the lungs using an artificial, mechanical lung, known as ECMO ("extracorporeal membrane oxygenation"). This support is provided in specialized centers such as the MHH, which have sufficient experience in the treatment of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernias.

In many cases, the lung function develops under these supportive measures so that the gap in the diaphragm can then be surgically closed.

Nowadays, the procedure can often be performed thoracoscopically, i.e. minimally invasively using the "keyhole surgery technique". However, in the case of large gaps, it may be necessary to sew in an artificial membrane via an abdominal incision.

Patients present to our pediatric diaphragmatic hernia outpatient clinic at regular intervals.

Annual radiological checks are carried out to rule out an asymptomatic recurrence.

In the event of clinical problems, patients are presented to our outpatient clinic at short notice.