Repair of symptomatic diaphragmatic hernia during pregnancy

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia complicating pregnancy is a rarity, accounting for only six out of 17 cases of diaphragmatic hernia reported in the English literature. This case report describes the first successful repair of an acutely symptomatic foramen of Bochdalek hernia during pregnancy, with maternal and fetal survival. In the asymptomatic patient, surgery should be performed promptly on an elective basis in the first and second trimesters. During the third trimester, an asymptomatic defect should be repaired at the time of elective cesarean section. Active labor should be avoided. If symptoms of obstruction arise, this lesion represents a true surgical emergency, and immediate operative intervention should be undertaken regardless of the stage of pregnancy. Delay can result in both fetal and maternal mortality in up to half of cases. Tube gastrostomy may be performed at the time of repair to avert a potential prolonged gastric ileus and gastric volvulus.