Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in the newborn. Outcome in 59 consecutive cases over a ten year period (1980-1989).

A ten year review (1980-1989) of 59 neonates presenting with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, the main referral centre for neonatal surgery in Ireland, is presented to determine the outcome and make suggestions for improvements. CDH was more common in males (34M, 25F). The hernia was present on the left side in 47 cases and 11 cases were right sided. Overall mortality was 35.6%, with increased mortality for right-sided hernia (54.5%). Mean gestation period for survivors was 39 weeks and for non-survivors was 36 weeks. Fifty-two (88.1%) patients presented with symptoms within first six hours after birth. Nineteen of 59 patients (32%) did not have their airways secured with an endotracheal tube at the time of arrival in the hospital. Recurrent chest infections and gastro-oesophageal reflux were the most common long term complications. The prognosis was better for late presenters. A period of prolonged ventilatory stabilisation with appropriate inotropic support to help correct acidosis before surgery improved results. Surgery should be postponed until ventilatory stabilisation is established. A protocol for safe transport of patients to the referral centre is recommended. It is advisable that all patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia be intubated as soon as the diagnosis is made and that a doctor accustomed to airway management accompanies the patient to the neonatal surgical centre.