Thoracoscopic Versus Open Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Single Tertiary Center Review

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can be repaired open or through thoracoscopy. Thoracoscopic CDH repair could improve cosmesis and avoid the complications of laparotomy, but may have higher recurrence rates. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of thoracoscopic versus open CDH repair, with regard to recurrence, perioperative parameters, and postoperative complications.

We performed a retrospective review of open versus thoracoscopic CDH repairs over an 8.5-year period. The primary outcome was hernia recurrence. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂) levels, length of stay, and postoperative complications. All statistical analyses were performed using standard statistical methods.

A total of 54 infants underwent CDH repair during the study period, of whom 25 underwent successful thoracoscopic repair. Two patients who had undergone open repair developed recurrent diaphragmatic hernias (recurrence rate 3.7%). Operative time and intraoperative pCO₂ levels did not differ between groups. Length of stay was shorter in the thoracoscopic cohort. Four patients in the open cohort developed ventral hernias and five developed bowel obstructions during follow-up. No long-term complications were identified in the thoracoscopic cohort. The median follow-up was 27 months.

In our experience, thoracoscopic CDH repair was performed safely and with similar outcomes compared to open repair. In addition to improved cosmesis, thoracoscopic repair may avoid some of the long-term complications of laparotomy. In our series, none of the thoracoscopic CDH repairs recurred. We conclude that thoracoscopic CDH repair is a safe and appropriate technique for select neonates.