Thoracoscopic approach in management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Thoracoscopic repair is feasible and safe for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The operation can be performed with three trocars using carbon dioxide insufflations at a pressure of 4-6 mmHG. From January 2001 to July 2012, we performed thoracoscopic repair for 311 children with CDH including 152 newborns and 159 infants and toddlers. Mean operative time was 75 ± 27 min. HFOV was used in 24 patients. Direct closure of two rims of diaphragmatic hernia was carried out in 175 patients. Closure of two rims of diaphragmatic hernia with the thoracic wall was performed in 136 patients. Prosthetic patches were required in 54 patients. Conversion to open surgery was required in 38 patients (12.2%). There were no intraoperative deaths. 38 patients died postoperatively (13.5%).