Diaphragmatic hernia occurs when there is a defect in the diaphragm, which is the muscle that helps to breathe and is responsible for the separation of the organs of the chest and abdomen. This defect causes the organs in the abdomen to pass into the chest, which may not cause symptoms or lead to serious complications such as breathing difficulties, lung infections or digestive disorders, for example.
A diaphragm hernia can occur both during the baby’s development in the uterus, resulting in a congenital hernia, but it can also be acquired throughout life, such as chest trauma or a surgical complication or infection in the area. Understand how a hernia forms.
- This problem is identified by imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans.
- Treatment of diaphragmatic hernia is performed by the general surgeon or pediatrician.
- Through surgery or videosurgery.
Diaphragmatic hernia may include
It is a rare alteration, resulting from defects in the development of the baby’s diaphragm even during pregnancy, and may occur in isolation, due to unexplained causes or be associated with other diseases, such as genetic syndromes.
The main types are:
Depending on its severity, the formation of a hernia can have serious consequences on the health of the newborn, since the abdominal organs can occupy the space of the lungs, causing changes in the development of these, as well as other organs such as the intestine. , stomach or heart. Like what.
It occurs when the diaphragm ruptures due to trauma to the abdomen, such as after an accident or a puncture with a gun, for example me after chest surgery or even an infection at the site.
In this type of hernia it can be affected anywhere in the diaphragm, and as in the congenital hernia, this rupture of the diaphragm can cause the contents of the abdomen to pass through the chest, especially the stomach and intestines.
This can lead to poor blood flow to these organs and, in these cases, can lead to serious health risks for the affected person if this is not quickly corrected by surgery.
For non-severe hernias, there may be no symptoms, so it may remain for many years until it is discovered. In other cases, signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath, bowel disturbances, reflux, heartburn and poor digestion may occur.
Diaphragmatic hernia is diagnosed by imaging of the abdomen and chest, such as x-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans, that may show inappropriate content inside the chest.
The treatment of diaphragmatic hernia is surgery, capable of reintroducing the contents of the abdomen to its usual location, in addition to correcting the diaphragm defect.
The surgical procedure can be performed by cameras and instruments inserted through small holes in the abdomen, which is laparoscopic surgery, or by conventional means, in case of severe hernia. Know when laparoscopic surgery is indicated and how it is performed.