What is Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH)?
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth condition that happens when a baby’s diaphragm does not form completely during pregnancy. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and helps with breathing.
Because of this opening, organs from the abdomen—such as the stomach, intestines, or liver—can move up into the chest. When these organs enter the chest, they press on the baby’s lungs and heart. This pressure prevents the lungs from growing properly.
Babies with CDH usually have smaller and weak lungs. This condition is called pulmonary hypoplasia. Because the lungs are not fully developed, the blood pressure in the lung vessels becomes high, a problem known as pulmonary hypertension.
What causes CDH?
The exact cause of CDH is not known. In most cases, CDH occurs by itself. However, sometimes it can be associated with heart problems or genetic conditions, which can make the situation more serious.
Doctors and researchers are still studying CDH to understand its causes better. Genetic research is helping doctors learn more, so they can guide families and plan better treatment in the future.
What are the signs and symptoms of CDH?
CDH is usually detected during a routine pregnancy ultrasound. The doctor may notice:
- The stomach, intestines, or liver inside the baby’s chest
- The heart pushed to one side
- Smaller-than-normal lungs
Sometimes, CDH is discovered only after the baby is born when the baby shows breathing problems.
What are the complications of CDH?
Most babies with CDH have underdeveloped lungs. This can lead to several problems, such as:
- Low oxygen levels in the blood: This can affect important organs like the brain and heart.
- High blood pressure in the lungs: This puts extra strain on the baby’s heart and may cause heart failure.
- Frequent lung infections: Weak lungs are more likely to get infections like pneumonia, even after surgery.
Other problems babies with CDH may face include:
- Feeding difficulties: Some babies need tube feeding for a long time and may have slow weight gain.
- Developmental delays: Low oxygen levels can affect growth and learning. Some children may need speech, physical, or occupational therapy.
- Hearing loss: Some babies develop hearing problems over time, though the exact reason is not always clear.
How do doctors diagnose CDH?
CDH is often diagnosed before birth using:
- Prenatal ultrasound
- Fetal MRI to see the organs clearly
- Fetal echocardiogram to check the baby’s heart
If CDH is not found during pregnancy, doctors may detect it after birth when the baby has trouble breathing or shows signs like an uneven chest or a sunken belly. Tests such as chest X-rays, echocardiograms, and blood tests are then done.
In rare cases, if the hernia is very small, CDH may be discovered later in childhood or even adulthood.
How is CDH treated?
Treatment for CDH starts as soon as the condition is diagnosed.
Prenatal Treatment
If CDH is found during pregnancy, doctors closely monitor the mother and baby. They watch for early labor and check for other birth defects.
In very severe cases, doctors may perform a special procedure before birth called fetoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO). In this procedure, a small balloon is placed in the baby’s windpipe. This helps the lungs grow bigger and stronger before birth.
Treatment after birth
Most babies with CDH need immediate care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Breathing support: Many babies need oxygen or a breathing machine.
- ECMO (heart-lung machine): In severe cases, this machine helps oxygenate the blood while the lungs recover.
Once the baby is stable, surgery is done to:
- Move the organs back into the abdomen
- Close the hole in the diaphragm
In many cases, doctors can perform minimally invasive surgery using very small cuts.
Recovery time
After surgery, babies slowly come off oxygen support. Feeding usually starts through a tube. Later, feeding specialists help the baby learn to feed by mouth. Recovery time varies—some babies improve quickly, while others need more time and support.
What is the outlook for babies with CDH?
Today, 7 to 9 out of 10 babies with CDH survive, which is much better than in the past. The first few days are critical, but babies who get through this period often improve steadily.
Some children may have long-term health issues, but many grow up to live healthy and active lives.
The long-term outcome depends on:
- Whether the baby was born early
- How severe the condition was
- The size of the hernia
- Which organs were affected
- Presence of other health problems
Babies who need long-term breathing or feeding support may have a higher chance of ongoing issues, such as lung disease, slow growth, hearing problems, or developmental delays. Doctors follow these children closely to support their growth and development.
Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia treatment in Lucknow, India?
Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, and pediatric surgeons, known as some of the best doctors for treating complex congenital conditions. We provide accurate prenatal diagnosis with advanced ultrasound and fetal imaging, personalized care planning before and after birth, and timely surgical treatment when required. Our experienced pediatric care team has decades of experience in successfully managing Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in Lucknow, India.
To seek an Expert Consultation for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia treatment in Lucknow, India:
Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com
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