Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice
06:31

Transuterine Fetal Tracheal Occlusion Model in Mice

Published on: February 5, 2021

Evolving Approaches to Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Management

Abby C Larson1,2, Jason Gien3, S Christopher Derderian1,2

  • 1Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.

Neoreviews
|May 31, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) management has improved survival rates to 75-90% in mild/moderate cases. This review covers CDH care from prenatal diagnosis to survivorship, highlighting emerging advancements for better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Neonatology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a complex birth defect impacting lung and heart development.
  • Pulmonary hypoplasia and abnormal pulmonary vasculature are key features of CDH.
  • Despite challenges, survival rates have improved due to advances in neonatal care and surgical techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize current evidence on the comprehensive management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
  • To review the entire continuum of care for CDH patients, from prenatal diagnosis to long-term survivorship.
  • To identify emerging areas and future directions in CDH research and clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of contemporary evidence on congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
  • Synthesis of data across the full spectrum of CDH care, including prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal management.
  • Identification and discussion of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, such as fetal intervention and precision medicine.

Main Results:

  • Survival rates for isolated mild to moderate congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) cases approach 75% to 90%.
  • Advances in neonatal intensive care, specialized centers, and surgical timing have significantly improved outcomes.
  • Key management areas include prenatal diagnosis, fetal intervention (FETO), postnatal stabilization, ECMO, surgical repair, and long-term care.

Conclusions:

  • Contemporary management strategies have markedly improved survival for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) patients.
  • Future advancements lie in precision prenatal risk stratification, refined fetal interventions like FETO, standardized guidelines for ECMO and surgery, and integrated multidisciplinary care models.
  • Optimizing long-term outcomes and survivorship requires a continued focus on evidence-based, coordinated care.

More Related Videos

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs05:40

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs

Published on: December 22, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management01:22

Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management

IntroductionA range of clinical features characterizes Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), but it is important to note that many individuals with MVP are asymptomatic and may remain so throughout their lives. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the following are the key clinical features:Palpitations: This is a common symptom where individuals feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Palpitations in MVP are often due to arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions or supraventricular tachycardia.
Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Mitral Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is characterized by retrograde blood circulation from the left ventricle into the left atrium due to inadequate mitral valve closure. The severity of the condition, symptoms, and underlying cause determine treatment strategies.Monitoring and Pharmacological TreatmentPatients with mild to moderate MR typically do not need immediate intervention but regular monitoring to assess progression and guide treatment. Patients with mild MR should have an echocardiogram every 3-5...
Cystic Fibrosis: Management01:24

Cystic Fibrosis: Management

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that predominantly affects individuals of Northern European descent, occurring at a rate of 1 in 3500. It is caused by a genetic mutation in a gene on chromosome 7, most commonly the ΔF508 mutation, that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. This results in thicker mucus secretions and obstruction pathologies in multiple organs, including the lungs and sinuses.
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...