Diaphragmatic hernia: what it is, types and treatment

Diaphragmatic hernia arises when there is a defect in the diaphragm, which is the muscle that helps breathing, and which is responsible for separating the organs from the chest and abdomen. This defect causes the organs of the abdomen to pass to the chest, which may not cause symptoms or cause serious complications such as breathing difficulties, lung infections or digestive changes, for example.

A hernia of the diaphragm can arise both during the development of the baby in the maternal uterus, giving rise to a congenital hernia, but it can also be acquired throughout life, such as by trauma to the chest or by complication of surgery or infection in the region. Understand how a hernia forms.

The identification of this problem is done through imaging exams such as X-rays or computed tomography. The treatment of diaphragmatic hernia is done by the general surgeon or pediatric surgeon, through surgery or video surgery.

Main types

Diaphragmatic hernia can be:

1. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

It is a rare alteration, which arises from defects in the development of the baby's diaphragm even during pregnancy, and can appear in isolation, for unexplained causes, or be associated with other diseases, such as genetic syndromes.

The main types are:

• Bochdalek hernia: is responsible for the vast majority of cases of diaphragmatic hernias, and usually appears in the region behind and on the side of the diaphragm. Most are located on the left, some appear on the right and a minority appears on both sides; Morgani hernia: result from a defect in the anterior region, in the front of the diaphragm. Of these, most are more to the right; Esophageal hiatal hernia: they arise due to the excessive widening of the orifice through which the esophagus passes, which can result in the passage of the stomach into the chest. Understand better how hiatal hernia arises, symptoms and treatment.

Depending on its severity, the formation of a hernia can cause serious consequences to the newborn's health, as the abdominal organs can occupy the space of the lungs, causing changes in the development of these, and also of other organs such as intestine, stomach or heart., for example.

2. Acquired Diaphragmatic Hernia

It occurs when there is a rupture of the diaphragm due to trauma to the abdomen, such as after an accident or perforation by a weapon, for example, me due to a surgery on the chest or even an infection on the spot.

In this type of hernia, any location on the diaphragm can be affected, and just like in congenital hernia, this rupture in the diaphragm can cause the contents of the abdomen to pass through the chest, especially the stomach and intestines.

This can result in impaired blood circulation to these organs, and in these cases it can cause serious health risks to the affected person if it is not quickly corrected with surgery.

How to identify

In the case of hernias that are not severe, there may be no symptoms, so it can remain for many years until it is discovered. In other cases, it is possible to have signs and symptoms such as breathing difficulties, intestinal changes, reflux, heartburn and poor digestion.

The diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia is performed by imaging exams of the abdomen and chest, such as x-rays, ultrasound or computed tomography, which may demonstrate the presence of improper content inside the chest.

How the treatment is done

The treatment of diaphragmatic hernia is surgery, capable of reintroducing the contents of the abdomen to their normal location, in addition to correcting the defect in the diaphragm.

The surgical procedure can be performed with the aid of cameras and instruments introduced through small holes in the abdomen, which is laparoscopic surgery, or by the conventional way, in case of a severe hernia. Know when laparoscopic surgery is indicated and how it is done.