Diagnosis & Treatment
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
How is Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) Diagnosed?
Signs of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, including excess amniotic fluid and abdominal organs in the chest cavity, can be detected during a routine prenatal ultrasound. To confirm a CDH diagnosis, your child’s doctor may perform additional tests including:
- High-resolution fetal ultrasound
- Ultrafast fetal MRI
- Fetal echocardiogram
While CDH is often diagnosed prior to birth, doctors may perform a chest X-ray to help diagnose CDH in an infant showing symptoms of the condition after birth.
How is CDH Treated?
Most babies with CDH are placed on a mechanical ventilator at birth. Some infants with severe respiratory problems need to be placed on temporary heart/lung bypass (called ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane life support).
Once the baby is stable, surgery is performed to repair the diaphragm and move the stomach, intestines, and other abdominal organs back into the abdomen.
At the Children's Hospital of New York, our pediatric surgeons offer an abdominal approach as well as a minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach for repair when appropriate. Some infants require additional surgeries to treat congenital diaphragmatic hernia and to help with any other problems that might arise.
All children with CDH require long-term monitoring throughout childhood and beyond to ensure proper development after closing the hernia. These children are at risk for ongoing conditions tied to congenital disability.
Our multidisciplinary team of specialists closely monitors your child to optimize their long-term health, including:
- Diaphragm health: A surgeon regularly checks the health of your child’s diaphragm and chest and abdominal wall
- Lung health: A pulmonologist regularly checks your child’s lung health and function
- Heart health: A pediatric cardiologist monitors your child’s heart health
- Gastrointestinal (GI) health: A pediatric gastroenterologist monitors your child’s GI system
Trust the Children's Hospital of New York for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CHD) Treatment
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a complicated condition that requires multidisciplinary care. Our CDH programs bring together the expertise of pediatric specialists, including pediatric surgeons, neonatologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, orthopedists, developmental pediatricians, and psychologists.
We work with you, your child, and your family to ensure the best possible treatment and care as your child grows. The Children's Hospital of New York team can offer treatment at several convenient, state-of-the-art locations, allowing you access to high-quality care close to home.