Thoracic Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (Open and MIS Approaches)

Abstract

This chapter describes the endoscopic/surgical procedure for repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia as performed by the following approaches: open and thoracoscopic. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description of the following critical concepts for this procedure is provided: thoracic access, identification and dissection of the diaphragmatic defect, reduction of the herniated viscera, closure of defect, with or without a prosthetic patch, and chest closure.