Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Experimental Approach

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is the only relatively common congenital malformation which requires operative treatment during the neonatal period, and the incidence is reported to be one in 2,000–5,000 births. Although a diaphragmatic defect can be easily corrected by pulling out the herniated viscera of the chest and closing the diaphragma, the mortality rate of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia is high despite improvements in neonatal intensive care, because the hypoplastic lungs on the affected side can not provide life support after birth. The severity of associated pulmonary hypoplasia is the most important factor determining survival in an infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. From experimental study, it should be emphasized that retardation in the lung growth, regardless of its potential for further growth, just at the time of pleuroperitoneal canal closure, may result in congenital diaphragmatic hernia; the hypoplastic lung on the side of herniation would not result from the compression of the lung by the herniated organs, but it may be induced by the limited space for further growth.