Associated malformations in Morgagni hernia

Comparison of Single-incision Laparoscopic Percutaneous and Cystoscope Forceps Assisted Morgagni Hernia Repair Techniques

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to compare single-incision laparoscopic percutaneous and cystoscope forceps-assisted Morgagni hernia repair techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 patients were allocated to two groups, each with 20 patients. Group 1: Single incision (port) laparoscopic surgical percutaneous Morgagni hernia repair (with a 5 mm Storz laparoscopic scope entered through the umbilicus). Group 2: Single incision (port) laparoscopic surgical percutaneous Morgagni hernia repair (with an 11 Fr [3.6 mm] cystoscope entered through the umbilicus + using forceps + sac plication, and sac cauterization). In Group 1; the sac was not removed. In group 2; we advanced the forceps through the cystoscope, caught the sac, pushed the needle through the sac, plicated the sac, and then cauterized the sac with Bugbee electrode.

RESULTS

Of the 40 patients, 70 % (n = 28) were male. The symptoms at admission included repeated chest infections (40 %), dyspnea (30 %), vomiting (22 %), and abdominal pain (22 %). No difference was found between groups in terms of age, gender symptomatology, or associated anomalies. The operation time was shorter in group 2 compared to group 1 (p < 0.05; 25 min vs 40 min). Although there was one recurrence in Group 1, no recurrence was reported in Group 2. The recurrence incidence did not differ between groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cystoscope-assisted repair of Morgagni hernia was found to be superior in terms of safety and shorter operation time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Type III.

TYPE OF THE STUDY

Retrospective study.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare developmental defect of the diaphragm, characterized by the herniation of abdominal contents into the chest, resulting in varying degrees of pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Significant advances in the prenatal diagnosis and identification of prognostic factors have resulted in the continued refinement of the approach to fetal therapies for CDH. In the postnatal period, protocolized approaches to lung-protective ventilation, nutrition, prevention of infection, and early aggressive management of pulmonary hypertension have led to improved outcomes in infants with CDH. Surgical repair of CDH is not urgent in most circumstances and can be delayed until the pulmonary status of the patient has stabilized. This article provides a comprehensive review of CDH, focusing on the complex pathophysiology, advances in prenatal diagnosis, fetal interventions, and optimal postnatal management of CDH.

Post-operative anterior diaphragmatic hernias in children with Trisomy 21 after cardiac surgery

Morgagni hernias account for less than 5% of congenital diaphragmatic hernias. They are characteristically retrosternal and bilateral, with right-sided predominance. An association between Trisomy 21 and diaphragmatic hernias resembling Morgagni hernia has been reported, but the effect of cardiac surgery on its formation has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a higher incidence of anterior diaphragmatic hernias in children with Trisomy 21 after cardiac surgery. We compared the prevalence of anterior diaphragmatic hernias in 92 patients with Trisomy 21 who underwent cardiac surgery with its prevalence in 100 children without Trisomy 21 who underwent cardiac surgery. All available CXRs of all children underwent revision for the presence of an anterior diaphragmatic hernia by a pediatric radiologist. Within the study group, four cases of an anterior diaphragmatic hernia were detected, all upon presentation to the emergency room due to breathing difficulties. No cases of an anterior diaphragmatic hernia were found in the control group (P = 0.0094).

CONCLUSIONS

A high index of suspicion for an anterior diaphragmatic hernia should be maintained in children with Trisomy 21 who have undergone cardiac surgery and present with breathing difficulty. If CXR findings are uncertain, UGI series and\or CT should be performed. In light of our findings, the surgical technique has been modified in patients with DS in our medical center.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Several studies reported an association between Trisomy 21 and diaphragmatic hernia resembling Morgagni hernia, but the effect of cardiac surgery on its formation has not been investigated.

WHAT IS NEW

• There is a higher incidence of anterior diaphragmatic hernia resembling a Morgagni hernia in children with Trisomy 21 after cardiac surgery. • A high index of suspicion for an anterior diaphragmatic hernia should be maintained in children with Trisomy 21 who have undergone cardiac surgery and present with breathing difficulty. If CXR findings are uncertain, UGI series and\or CT should be performed.

Management of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH): Role of Molecular Genetics

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a relatively common major life-threatening birth defect that results in significant mortality and morbidity depending primarily on lung hypoplasia, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction. Despite its clinical relevance, CDH multifactorial etiology is still not completely understood. We reviewed current knowledge on normal diaphragm development and summarized genetic mutations and related pathways as well as cellular mechanisms involved in CDH. Our literature analysis showed that the discovery of harmful de novo variants in the fetus could constitute an important tool for the medical team during pregnancy, counselling, and childbirth. A better insight into the mechanisms regulating diaphragm development and genetic causes leading to CDH appeared essential to the development of new therapeutic strategies and evidence-based genetic counselling to parents. Integrated sequencing, development, and bioinformatics strategies could direct future functional studies on CDH; could be applied to cohorts and consortia for CDH and other birth defects; and could pave the way for potential therapies by providing molecular targets for drug discovery.

Laparoscopic assisted anterior transabdominal wall closure using loop suture removing technique in Morgagni hernia: safe and easy method

PURPOSE

The treatment of MH entails surgical repair either by open abdominal or thoracic approaches or by minimal invasive surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical and clinical outcomes of children who underwent laparoscopic assisted transabdominal wall closure and subcutaneous knot placement technique.

METHODS

This retrospective study includes pediatric patients who underwent surgery for MH between January 2015 and February 2019. The patients' demographic data, symptoms, operative findings and technique and postoperative outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 17 children with MH were treated. There were 13 boys (76.5%) and four (23.5%) girls. Six patients had trisomy 21 (37%). The mean operation time was 40 min (25-90 min). The hernia sac was removed in all patients and there was no need for prosthetic patch in any of the children. Mean time to start feeding was 10 h (6-24 h). The mean hospitalization time was 2 days (1-5 days). There were no complications intraoperatively or postoperatively. The mean follow-up time was 24 months (6-40). No recurrence occurred during the follow-up time.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic assisted transabdominal wall closure and subcutaneous knot placement technique is a preferable method with excellent outcomes and short hospitalization and feeding time postoperatively. This technique may be performed easily and safely without requiring any additional experience other than basic laparoscopy skills.

Laparoscopic-assisted repair of Morgagni hernia in children

Background

Morgagni hernia (MH) is a rare diaphragmatic hernia with nonspecific symptoms and variable presentation. MH is managed surgically via laparotomy or a thoracotomy. Recently, laparoscopy was described for the repair of MH. The objective of this study is to report our institutional experience in laparoscopic repair of MH in infants and children.

Results

Twenty-five patients with MH were included; 17 of them were males (68%). Their median age at the time of diagnosis was 18 months. Sixteen patients (64%) presented with a recurrent chest infection. MH was on the right side in 8 patients, left side in 2, and central in 12, and 3 patients had bilateral hernias. Eleven patients (44%) had congenital heart disease, 10 (40%) had Down’s syndrome, and 2 (4%) had malrotation of the bowel. The median size of the hernia defect was 3 × 3.5 cm2, and the most common content was the colon (n = 19). One patient with Down’s syndrome developed recurrence and underwent open repair. The median operative time was 95 min. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the average postoperative stay was 3 days. The median follow-up was 4.5 years, and there was no reported mortality.

Conclusions

Morgagni hernia is commonly associated with other congenital anomalies. Laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia in children is feasible with excellent postoperative outcomes.

Multi-Institution Case Series of Pediatric Patients with Laparoscopic Repair of Morgagni Hernia

INTRODUCTION

Morgagni Larray hernia (MLH) is a very rare disease, which accounts for less than 5% of all congenital diaphragmatic hernias. Laparoscopic repair has been widely used and accepted as a treatment option for patients with this disease. The purpose of our study is to analyze the outcomes of patients with MLH who underwent laparoscopic repair, and to evaluate their postoperative course for outcome, morbidity, and mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who were diagnosed with MLH and treated laparoscopically by 10 board-certified pediatric surgeons.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were included in the study. One patient died 1 month postoperatively due to respiratory complications unrelated to the surgery. Thirteen patients were followed for a median of 1.75 years (interquartile 0.3-6.95). There was a single recurrence, which resulted in a partial resection of the hernia sac and repaired without a mesh. We had a success rate of 92.86%.

CONCLUSION

MLH is a rare congenital diaphragmatic hernia that is usually diagnosed incidentally. Laparoscopic repair has high success rates and is a viable option for patients with this pathology.

Anaesthetic Management of Laparoscopic Morgagni Hernia Repair in a Patient with Coexisting Down Syndrome, Patent Foramen Ovale and Pectus Carinatum

Laparoscopic repair has several advantages with a minimally invasive surgical option for children with Morgagni hernias; however, a number of physiological sequelae results from pneumoperitoneum and insufflation. These physiological changes may be more significant in patients with a congenital heart disease. Perioperative detailed evaluation, meticulous monitorization and cooperation with a surgical team are important in cases with patent foramen ovale for the possible risk of the paradoxical gas embolism. We present the anaesthetic management of a patient with patent foramen ovale, Down syndrome and pectus carinatus who successfully underwent laparoscopic Morgagni hernia repair. Under a well-managed anaesthesia that prevented complications because of pneumoperitoneum, laparoscopic surgery would be safe enough for patients with Morgagni hernia having an associated congenital heart disease.

Minimally invasive repair of Morgagni hernia - A multicenter case series

Children may benefit from minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the correction of Morgagni hernia (MH). The present study aims to evaluate the outcome of MIS through a multicenter study. National institutions that use MIS in the treatment of MH were included. Demographic, clinical and operative data were analyzed. Thirteen patients with MH (6 males) were operated using similar MIS technique (percutaneous stitches) at a mean age of 22.2±18.3 months. Six patients had chromosomopathies (46%), five with Down syndrome (39%). Respiratory complaints were the most common presentation (54%). Surgery lasted 95±23min. In none of the patients was the hernia sac removed; prosthesis was never used. In the immediate post-operative period, 4 patients (36%) were admitted to intensive care unit (all with Down syndrome); all patients started enteral feeds within the first 24h. With a mean follow-up of 56±16.6 months, there were two recurrences (18%) at the same institution, one of which was repaired with an absorbable suture; both with Down syndrome. The application of MIS in the MH repair is effective even in the presence of comorbidities such as Down syndrome; the latter influences the immediate postoperative recovery and possibly the recurrence rate. Removal of hernia sac does not seem necessary. Non-absorbable sutures may be more appropriate.

Prenatal diagnosis and array comparative genomic hybridization characterization of trisomy 21 in a fetus associated with right congenital diaphragmatic hernia and a review of the literature of chromosomal abnormalities associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OBJECTIVE

Rapid genome-wide aneuploidy diagnosis using uncultured amniocytes and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is useful in pregnancy with abnormal ultrasound findings. The purpose of this report is to report a case of right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) associated with trisomy 21 diagnosed prenatally by aCGH and to review the literature of chromosomal abnormalities associated with CDH.

CASE REPORT

A 29-year-old woman was referred for genetic counseling at 25 weeks of gestation because of fetal CDH. The pregnancy was uneventful until 25 weeks of gestation when level II ultrasound detected isolated right CDH. Ultrasound showed that the liver and gallbladder were located in the right hemithorax, and there was levocardia. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis of right CDH with the gallbladder and part of the liver appearing in the right hemithorax and the heart shifting to the left hemithorax. Amniocentesis was immediately performed. About 10 mL of amniotic fluid was sent for aCGH analysis by use of the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes, and 20 mL of amniotic fluid was sent for conventional cytogenetic analysis. aCGH analysis revealed the result of arr 21p11.2q22.3 (9,962,872-48,129,895) × 3, consistent with the diagnosis of trisomy 21. Conventional cytogenetics revealed a karyotype of 47,XY,+21. Postnatally, polymorphic DNA marker analysis using DNAs extracted from the placenta and parental bloods showed a heterozygous extra chromosome 21 of maternal origin consistent with the result of maternal meiosis I nondisjunction.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal diagnosis of right CDH should raise a suspicion of chromosomal abnormalities especially trisomy 21 and the association of Morgagni hernia.

Congenital Morgagni's hernia: a national multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Congenital Morgagni's hernia (CMH) is rare and represents less than 5% of all congenital diaphragmatic hernias. This is a national review of our experience with CMH outlining clinical presentation, methods of diagnosis, associated anomalies, treatment, and outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The medical records of all patients with the diagnosis of CMH treated at four pediatric surgery units in Saudi Arabia were retrospectively reviewed for age at diagnosis, sex, presenting symptoms, associated anomalies, diagnosis, operative findings, treatment, and outcome.

RESULTS

During a 20-year period (January 1990-December 2010), 53 infants and children with CMH were treated. There were 38 males and 15 females. Their age at diagnosis ranged from 1 month to 9 years (mean 22.2 months). Forty-three (81%) presented with recurrent chest infection. Twenty-two (44.5%) had right CMH, 15 (28.3%) had left-sided hernia and 16 (30.2%) had bilateral hernia. In 7, the diagnosis of bilaterality was made at the time of surgery. Associated anomalies were seen in 38 (71.7%). Twenty-one (39.6%) had congenital heart disease, 8 (15%) had malrotation, and 15 (28.3%) had Down syndrome. All were operated on. Twenty-nine (54.7%) underwent repair via an open approach. The remaining 24 (45.3%) underwent repair using minimal invasive surgery, laparoscopic-assisted hernia repair (19 patients) or totally laparoscopic approach (5 patients). At the time of surgery, the hernia sac content included the colon in 33 (62.3%), part of the left lobe of the liver in 13 (24.5%), the small intestines in 11 (20.75%), the omentum in 5 (9.4%), and the stomach in 4 (7.5%). In 12 (22.6%), the hernia sac was empty. When compared to the open repair, the laparoscopic-assisted approach was associated with a shorter operative time, an earlier commencement of feeds, less requirement for postoperative analgesia, a shorter hospital stay, and better cosmetic appearance. There was no mortality. On follow-up, 2 (7%) of the open surgical group developed recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

CMH is rare and in the pediatric age group commonly presents with recurrent chest infection and has a high incidence of associated anomalies, commonly congenital heart disease and Down syndrome. We advocate a laparoscopic-assisted approach to repair CMH. This is a simple technique that produces a sound repair, and when compared with the open approach it takes less operative time, requires less analgesia, allows earlier commencement of feeds, is associated with a shorter hospital stay, and has a better cosmetic outcome.

Recurrence rate of Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia following laparoscopic repair

PURPOSE

Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia can be repaired laparoscopically. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of this minimally invasive approach.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on all consecutive children who underwent repair of Morgagni hernia from January 2002 to December 2011 in our hospital. Data are expressed as median (range).

RESULTS

There were 12 children with Morgagni hernia. Age at surgery was 7.5 months (2-125). Associated malformations were present in 7 children (58 %). All children underwent initial laparoscopic approach. Two children (16 %) underwent conversion to open surgery. The hernia was closed primarily in 11 children (92 %), using a polyester patch in 1 (8 %). There were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. Five children (42 %), all repaired initially without a patch, had a recurrence of the Morgagni hernia. The repair of the recurrent hernia was performed laparoscopically in four out of the five children, and a patch was used in two patients with no further recurrences or complications.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high rate of recurrence after laparoscopic Morgagni hernia repair. This is exclusively associated with laparoscopic repair without patch, and it is in contrast with the low recurrence rate reported previously. More frequent use of patch may be beneficial.

Bilateral congenital Morgagni-Larrey's hernia

BACKGROUND

Congenital Morgagni-Larrey's hernia (CMLH) is rare and known to be associated with a high incidence of bilaterality and associated anomalies. This study aimed to review our patients with bilateral CMLH and evaluate their presentation, associated anomalies, diagnostic difficulties and therapy.

METHODS

From January 1989 to December 2007, we treated 8 children with bilateral CMLH at our hospital. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed for age, sex, symptoms, associated anomalies, diagnosis, operative findings, treatment and outcome.

RESULTS

Among the 8 children, 4 were male and 4 female, with a mean age of 22.74 months (range: 0.93-108 months). Six of them sustained repeated attacks of pneumonia. In 5 children, bilaterality was diagnosed at surgery. Associated anomalies were observed in all children, including congenital heart disease in 5, Down's syndrome in 4, malrotation in 3, inguinal hernia in 2, umbilical hernia in 1, and pyloric stenosis in 1. All of these children were operated on transabdominally. All of them did well postoperatively and on follow-up ranging from 1.5 years to 5 years (mean: 3 years), one had recurrence of the hernia as well as an incisional hernia.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of bilateral CMLH may be difficult preoperatively, especially if one of the hernial sacs is empty. CT scan is valuable to diagnose bilateral hernias. To repair these hernias, we advocate a transabdominal approach, which allows easy reduction and inspection of contents, access and repair of bilateral hernias, and correction of associated malrotation if present.

Congenital bilateral Morgagni's hernia secondary to twin accessory hepatic lobes in an infant

Bilateral Morgagni's hernia is rare in infants. We report a rare case of bilateral anterio-medial defect in the diaphragm in a 5-month-old infant presenting with recurrent respiratory tract infection. He had two adjacent accessory hepatic lobes which, presumably, had embryologically caused the defect. He also had secondary herniation of the transverse colon without any symptoms attributable to it. We describe the management of this condition and the concerned literature is reviewed.