Available At: Motherhood Hospitals – Banashankari, HRBR, Kharadi | Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital – Sector 44, Chandigarh
What is pediatric congenital diaphragmatic hernia?
A diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen area. A hole present in your baby’s diaphragm at birth is often referred to as congenital diaphragmatic hernia. This hole acts as an unwanted passageway for abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity thereby causing less space for lung development in the fetus. Newborns diagnosed with this condition tend to have smaller or under developed lungs and low blood oxygen levels, warranting the need for immediate congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia signs and symptoms
Usually, congenital diaphragmatic hernia or CDH can be diagnosed in fetal scans around the 20th week of pregnancy. However, it is possible to miss the diagnosis in a scan leading to a diagnosis only at birth. So, what are the earliest congenital diaphragmatic hernia symptoms in newborns?
• Faster heart rate
• Discoloration of the skin due to low levels of oxygen
Faint or low breathing
• An enlarged chest cavity
• An inward shaped or concave shaped belly area
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia causes
Although the exact cause for this condition may not be known, researchers worldwide suggest that genetics, or harmful exposures during pregnancy or even malnutrition can cause pediatric congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia management in the newborn
CDH in newborns is usually confirmed after a congenital diaphragmatic hernia x-ray or ultrasound. If your new born has been diagnosed with this condition, your baby may need immediate external support to stabilize the breathing and heart rate. Once your baby’s condition stabilizes, the pediatrician may suggest congenital diaphragmatic hernia surgery to place the abdominal organs back in to its cavity and suturing or meshing the diaphragm hole. In most cases your pediatric surgeon will be able to use minimally invasive procedures for the congenital diaphragmatic repair.
Recovery and After-care
After the correctional surgery, your baby will need to remain in Neo natal intensive care for a few days for observation and specialized care. Your child may need pediatric ventilator support for a few days until their lungs heal and develop. You may be expected to remain in the hospital until your baby is able to breathe and feed normally.
Once your baby is discharged, after-care at home is very important. Follow clear instructions on incision care and the medications prescribed for your baby. Long term care includes
• Regular visits to the pediatrician
• Chest xrays
• Pulmonary function tests
• Oxygen therapy
• Nutritional support
Advanced congenital diaphragmatic hernia surgery at Motherhood Hospitals
With advanced diagnostic assessments and compassionate care in congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair, Motherhood Hospitals is a name to reckon with. We are known for our high congenital diaphragmatic hernia survival rate in newborns. With our well experienced team of pediatric surgeons, pulmonologists, developmental specialists, and cardiologists we ensure superior medical support and reliable care for newborns diagnosed with the condition. We follow congenital diaphragmatic hernia guidelines to ensure the best possible care and successful patient outcomes for CDH cases. Trust Motherhood Hospitals for dedicated medical support and world class pediatric care.
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