Diaphragmatic hernia


Diaphragmatic hernia is a defect or hole in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal contents to move into the chest cavity. Treatment is usually surgical.

Types

Signs and symptoms

A scaphoid abdomen may be the presenting symptom in a newborn.

Diagnosis

[Image:Diaphragm hernia2.jpg|thumb|A right sided diaphragmatic hernia with the stomach in the chest (left side of image marked by the arrow). Note the air fluid level in the stomach.]
Diagnosis can be made by either CT or X-ray.

Treatment

Treatment for a diaphragmatic hernia usually involves surgery, with acute injuries often repaired with monofilament permanent sutures.

Other animals

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a type of hernia more common in other mammals. This is usually treated with surgery.