[Bochdalek hernia with late manifestation. Relevant clinico-surgical features]

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia presents after the first hours of life in 5 to 25% of cases. Presenting symptoms may be quite non-specific, and gastrointestinal rather than respiratory in origin. Bochdalek hernia should be considered when an infant has respiratory distress, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Five-year retrospective study was made of children with congenital posterolateral (Bochdalek) hernia presenting more than 10 days after birth. The records are of 17 patients. The group was divided in two subgroups. The first, was made up of four patients who had digestive emergencies and complications such as colon and gastric perforation. One infant of this group had a left sided defect and inflammatory hepatic-pulmonary fusion. The second group was made up of 13 patients between 2 weeks and four years og age. Main complaints were vomiting, abdominal pain, and respiratory distress. Ten patients were female and 10 had a left-side defect. Herniated viscerae were small bowel, stomach, spleen, and colon. There were six deaths.

Bochdalek hernia in children after the newborn period is a common entity. Frequent digestive and respiratory signs are present. Complications such as colon and gastric perforation are common.