Hazardous Hernia: Mechanical Ventilation in an Adult With a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Julie Gaudin1, Sneh Parekh1, Claudia Aleman Oliva1

  • 1Internal Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville, Jacksonville, USA.

Cureus
|July 17, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) can be diagnosed late in adults, causing respiratory distress and airway management challenges. Lung-protective ventilation is recommended for these rare adult CDH cases to prevent complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare developmental defect typically diagnosed in infancy.
  • Delayed diagnosis of CDH in adults is uncommon but presents unique airway management challenges.
  • Adult CDH can lead to respiratory distress, gastric insufflation, and mechanical compression of thoracic organs.

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