Abstract

The diaphragmatic hernia is a disorder in the development of the diaphragm, causing the passage of the abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity. The main ones are Bochdalek, Hiatal and Morgagni hernias¹.

Congenital malformation that affects 1 in 2 200 newborns. It is associated to high morbidity and mortality mainly due to lung hypoplasia and hypertension.²

Prenatal ultrasound determines the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. The surgical procedure consists of the closure of the defect. The goal of the treatment is to maintain adequate gas exchange, to prevent or minimize hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension.¹

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias present at birth are readily recognized. In contrast, the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia after the neonatal period varies considerably owing to misleading clinical and radiologic features.³

Key words: Diaphragmatic hernia; ultrasound; surgery; children