Diaphragmatic eventration in infants and children: is conservative treatment justified?

Congenital Diaphragmatic Eventration in the Neonatal Period: Systematic Review of the Literature and Report of a Rare Case Presenting with Gastrointestinal Disorders

BACKGROUND

The term congenital diaphragmatic eventration (CDE) refers to an anatomical abnormality of the diaphragm. It is a very rare condition; however, early and prompt diagnosis is of very great importance due to possible life-threatening complications. Most severely affected patients are neonates, usually presented with respiratory distress symptoms. The aim of this study was to systematically review the existing literature and to consolidate data on CDE in neonates as well as to report a case of a neonate with congenital diaphragmatic eventration of the left hemidiaphragm and clinical signs and symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS

An electronic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was performed regarding studies evaluating the clinical presentation, diagnosis methods, treatments, and outcomes of CDE in the neonatal population.

RESULTS

Data from 93 studies were integrated into our review, reporting 204 CDE cases, and according to them, the male/female ratio was 1/1 with a predominance of right-sided eventration. The diagnosis was primarily established by chest X-ray; surgical intervention was the most frequent treatment. The recurrence rate was 8.3% (9/109 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Early and accurate diagnosis of CDE and repair of the diaphragm can prevent complications, reduce morbidity, and improve the quality of patient's life.

The feasibility and safety of same-day surgery for diaphragmatic eventration by minithoracotomy in children

PURPOSE

The diaphragmatic plication procedure by thoracoscopy has gradually become standard treatment for diaphragmatic eventration (DE). However, thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication is difficult to manipulate and the surgical learning curve is long. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of same-day surgery for DE by minithoracotomy in children.

METHODS

From December 2017 to December 2019, we included 22 patients who underwent diaphragmatic plication of DE in the Department of Pediatric Thoracic Surgery at the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. A total of 10 patients underwent diaphragmatic plication by minithoracotomy and 12 patients underwent thoracoscopic plication. The perioperative condition and postoperative follow-up were evaluated, respectively.

RESULTS

The age, sex, and weight were no different in the minithoracotomy group versus the thoracoscopy group (P > 0.05). The intraoperative time, blood loss volume, and postoperative hospital stay of the minithoracotomy group were significantly less than that of the thoracoscopy group (31.10 ± 4.70 min vs. 72.08 ± 22.8 min; 1.20 ± 0.42 ml vs. 2.58 ± 1.67 ml; and 1.00 ± 0.00 days vs. 6.00 ± 2.95 days, respectively, all P < 0.05). The eventration levels in these two groups were significantly different in the perioperative and postoperative periods as detected by chest X-ray. No chest tubes were inserted and no recurrence of DE occurred in the thoracoscopy group through the postoperative follow-up of at least 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Same-day surgery by minithoracotomy as a treatment for DE was feasible and safe with less operative time, less blood loss, and low recurrence. Same-day surgery for DE was attributed to a quick recovery. More prospective studies are necessary to further explore the consequences of same-day surgery for DE by minithoracotomy.

Congenital diaphragmatic eventration and hernia sac compared to CDH with true defects: a retrospective cohort study

Congenital diaphragmatic eventration (CDE) and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with or without hernia sac are three different types of congenital diaphragmatic malformations, which this study evaluates. All surgically treated patients with CDE or Bochdalek type CDH between 2000 and 2016 were included in this retrospective analysis. Demographics, CDH-characteristics, treatment, and clinical outcome were evaluated. In total, 200 patients were included. Patients with an eventration or hernia sac had no significant differences and were compared as patients without a true defect to patients with a true defect. The 1-year survival of patients with a true defect was significantly lower than patients with no true defect (76% versus 97%, p = 0.001). CDH with no true defect had significantly better short-term outcomes than CDH with true defect requiring patch repair. However, at 30 days, they more often required oxygen supplementation (46% versus 26%, p = 0.03) and had a higher recurrence rate (8% versus 0%, p = 0.006) (three eventration and two hernia sac patients). Conclusion: Patients without a true defect seem to have a more similar clinical outcome than CDH patients with a true defect, with a better survival. However, the recurrence rate and duration of oxygen supplementation at 30 days are higher than CDH patients with a true defect.What is Known:• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia with or without hernia sac and congenital diaphragmatic eventration (incomplete muscularization) are often treated similarly.• Patients with hernia sac and eventration are thought to have a relatively good outcome, but exact numbers are not described.What is New:• Congenital diaphragmatic eventration and patients with hernia sac seem to have a more similar clinical outcome than Bochdalek type CDH with a true defect.• Patients without a true defect (eventration or hernia sac) have a high recurrence rate.

Ultrasound-guided perioperative management of 28-month-old patient with congenital diaphragmatic eventration

Diaphragmatic eventration is a rare anomaly. When patients with this condition undergo general anesthesia, anesthetic management should be performed with particular care owing to the risk of diaphragmatic rupture. Such a rupture can be perioperatively diagnosed using multiple tools including lung ultrasonography. This case report describes the anesthetic management of a male infant with osteochondroma in the distal ulna, presenting with diaphragmatic eventration on the right side.

Right Diaphragmatic Eventration with an Intrathoracic Kidney: Case Report and Review of the Literature

We aimed to review the publications on the diagnosis of diaphragmatic eventration and report on the clinical presentation and surgical treatment of a female patient aged 17 years. The present case, though quite infrequent, shows the presence of an ectopic thoracic kidney on the right side. The clinical features included dry cough, chest pain, respiratory distress, and bronchial spasms for 4 years; additionally, the patient had episodes of bronchial asthma since her childhood. The right hemithorax presented invasion of the thin loops, right colon, and kidney. The treatment approach was laparoscopic followed by thoracotomy using a dual mesh. The intrathoracic kidney remained in place. The outcome was satisfactory. Diaphragmatic eventration associated with thoracic renal ectopia is a very rare entity, considering the age, sex, and right location of the condition. It represents a clinical and diagnostic challenge; clinicians, radiologists, and surgeons must be alert with a high degree of suspicion in order to correlate symptoms and imaging findings and understand the etiopathogenesis. In addition, they should plan an adequate and individualized surgical repair making use, as far as possible, of the minimally invasive procedures that are currently used.

Open Transthoracic Plication of the Diaphragm for Unilateral Diaphragmatic Eventration in Infants and Children

Background

To evaluate our experience of early surgical plication for diaphragmatic eventration (DE) in infancy and childhood.

Methods

This study evaluated infants and children with symptomatic DE who underwent plication through an open transthoracic approach in our childhood development department between January 2005 and December 2012. Surgical plication was performed in several rows using polypropylene U-stitches with Teflon pledgets.

Results

The study included 12 infants and children (7 boys and 5 girls) with symptomatic DE (9 congenital and 3 acquired). Reported symptoms included respiratory distress (91.7%), wheezing (75%), cough (66.7%), and recurrent pneumonia (50%). Preoperative mechanical ventilatory support was required in 41.7% of the patients. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.3±2.5 days. The mean follow-up period was 24.3±14.5 months. Preoperative symptoms were immediately relieved after surgery in 83.3% of patients and persisted in 16.7% of patients one year after surgery. All patients survived to the end of the two-year follow-up and none had recurrence of DE.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis and surgical plication of the diaphragm for symptomatic congenital or acquired diaphragmatic eventration offers a good clinical outcome with no recurrence.

Congenital diaphragmatic eventration in children: 12 years' experience with 177 cases in a single institution

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to summarize the diagnostic and treatment aspects of congenital diaphragmatic eventration (CDE) in children by retrospectively analyzing their medical records to identify and understand the complications of CDE, its treatment, and to evaluate the long-term outcomes of diaphragmatic plication.

METHODS

The medical records of children who received treatment for CDE from January 2000 to December 2011 at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China were analyzed. Data analyzed included the following: age, sex, symptom, location of eventration, associated anomalies, surgical procedures, complications, and survival and follow up details after diaphragmatic plication.

RESULTS

The medical records of 177 children (boys: 128, girls: 49, mean age: 10.28±2.35 months) with CDE were included in this study. Specific symptoms of eventration of the diaphragm were reported for 86 cases; and the typical symptoms included rapid breathing, vomiting, and recurrent respiratory infections. Except for a bilateral case, all the other patients had unilateral CDE. Associated malformations were observed in 31 cases (17.5%), hypoplastic lung (10 cases) was the most common followed by congenital heart disease (9 cases), and cryptorchidism (3 cases). Interestingly, 91 patients were asymptomatic. Diaphragmatic plication was performed in all symptomatic patients (86 cases, 48.5%) and none had recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical symptoms of CDE varied in severity, ranging from asymptomatic conditions to life-threatening respiratory distress. Timely accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic CDE could effectively resolve respiratory morbidity and reduce complications. The diaphragm plication surgery provided good results among the study population with no recurrence.

The prognostic value of concurrent phrenic nerve palsy in newborn babies with neonatal brachial plexus palsy

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognostic value of concurrent phrenic nerve palsy for predicting spontaneous motor recovery in neonatal brachial plexus palsy.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of 366 neonates with brachial plexus palsy. The clinical and follow-up data of patients with and without phrenic nerve palsy were compared.

RESULTS

Of 366 newborn babies with neonatal brachial plexus palsy, 21 (6%) had concurrent phrenic nerve palsy. Sixteen of these neonates had upper-type palsy and 5 had total-type palsy. Poor spontaneous motor recovery was observed in 13 neonates with concurrent phrenic nerve palsy (62%) and in 129 without concurrent phrenic nerve palsy (39%). Among neonates born via vertex delivery, poor motor recovery was observed in 7 of 9 (78%) neonates with concurrent phrenic nerve palsy and 115 of 296 (39%) without concurrent phrenic nerve palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent phrenic nerve palsy in neonates with brachial plexus palsy has prognostic value in predicting poor spontaneous motor recovery of the brachial plexus, particularly after vertex delivery.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Pulmonary sequestration and diaphragmatic eventration in a 6-month-old infant

A congenital pulmonary malformation, such as pulmonary sequestration or congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, should be suspected in infants with recurrent lower respiratory symptoms or unifocal infiltrations. The possibility of congenital pulmonary malformation associated with additional abnormalities, such as diaphragmatic hernia, is relatively high and can lead to misdiagnosis. We report a case of a 6-month-old girl who presented with relapsing respiratory infection and hematemesis. Computerized axial tomography scan and barium swallowing study were performed, revealing a suspected intralobar pulmonary sequestration associated with sliding gastric hernia. Since the patient's condition was complicated by sliding hernia, pneumonia and pleural effusion, a surgical procedure instead of cardiac catheterization with coil embolization was performed. During surgery, the absence of a sliding gastric hernia but a diaphragmatic eventration was noted. Only a partial portion of the left-side diaphragm was relaxing, making the barium swallowing study difficult to interpret. This case serves as a reminder that if pulmonary sequestration is suspected, a full work-up with a complete set of imaging studies should be ordered for the possible detection of associated gastrointestinal, respiratory and thoracic abnormalities.

Left diaphragmatic eventration associated with ipsilateral pulmonary sequestration and intrathoracic kidney in a fetus: reviewing the prenatal diagnosis and etiopathogenesis

The prenatal diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic eventration, pulmonary extralobar sequestration and intrathoracic ectopic kidney in a single fetus is not reported yet according to the pubmed. Congenital diaphragmatic eventration is an abnormal elevation of the diaphragm. Differential diagnosis from hernia is essential for the perinatal management. Extralobar sequestrations are usually asymptomatic and detected incidentally. Intrathoracic kidney is an extremely rare congenital anomaly. Genitourinary and cardiac anomalies should be searched as common co-existing malformations. Besides prenatal ultrasound, fetal magnetic resonance imaging has a substantial support in counselling the family, planning the follow-up of the pregnancy and decision-making for the perinatal management.

Diaphragmatic paralysis associated with neonatal brachial plexus palsy

Phrenic nerve palsy can occur in the context of neonatal brachial plexus palsy, yet neither outcomes nor definitive treatment guidelines have been established. Diaphragmatic paralysis alone in the newborn results in significant respiratory sequelae and failure to thrive. Reviewing the available literature revealed little information about the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy associated with neonatal brachial plexus palsy, or whether outcomes are associated with the severity of the brachial plexus palsy. Of patients with brachial plexus palsy evaluated during 2005-2009 (n = 166) at our institution, a minority (2.4%; n = 4) had clinically significant diaphragmatic palsy. Of these, a majority (75%; n = 3) manifested respiratory complications sufficient to warrant diaphragmatic plication. The severity of brachial plexus palsy failed to correlate with severity of respiratory consequences. None of the patients underwent nerve repair or reconstruction. We suggest that diaphragmatic paralysis should not be overlooked during a brachial plexus examination, and diaphragmatic paralysis in the very young may require aggressive intervention before the treatment of brachial plexus palsy.

Neonatal phrenic nerve injury due to traumatic delivery

AIMS

To describe the clinical course of infants recovering spontaneously from diaphragmatic paralysis due to perinatal phrenic nerve injury as well as those that underwent plication of the diaphragm.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 2006, 14 newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital in Utrecht, The Netherlands, were diagnosed with diaphragmatic paralysis due to obstetric phrenic nerve injury. The clinical and follow-up data were studied retrospectively.

RESULTS

Four infants recovered spontaneously and could be weaned from mechanical ventilation within nine days without further treatment. Plication of the diaphragm was performed in 10 infants because of failure to wean from ventilatory support or serious persistent respiratory distress. Time between birth and plication ranged from 10 to 51 days, with a median of 19 days. Satisfactory respiratory outcome was achieved in 86% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The minority of infants suffering from diaphragmatic paralysis due to perinatal phrenic nerve injury recovers spontaneously. Infants who fail to wean from ventilatory support and undergo early plication have a quick recovery and can be extubated successfully within a few days.

Collagen metabolism and recurrent hiatal hernia: cause and effect?

Hiatus hernia (HH) is a condition characterized by herniation of the intra-abdominal organs into the thorax. Of the several types that have been identified, the most common is type I (sliding) HH. Congenital predisposition and acquired factors, for example trauma and iatrogeny, have been identified as causative factors. There is a strong association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and HH-the prevalence of reflux in HH may reach 94%. Many methods have been used to treat reflux disease and HH, among which are laparoscopic techniques, which gained popularity as a safe method of treatment. Primary crural repair without mesh application was found to have a recurrence rate of up to 42%. This led to the introduction of mesh in HH repair, which was associated with a significant decrease in recurrence rate. Collagen and its relation to hernia have been investigated for several decades. Collagen has mechanical properties sufficient to enable it to support healed scars and other tissues. Nineteen distinct types of collagen have been recognized, the most common of which are types I and III. Type III collagen is the major constituent of early granulation tissue whereas type I predominates as healing proceeds. Collagen fibers are imbedded in extracellular matrix (ECM), which is in continuous process of synthesis and degradation under the action of matrix metalloproteinases. Many authors have studied the role of collagen in ventral hernia and have even defined hernia as a disease of the ECM. The relationship between collagen and HH, and its recurrence, is not fully understood and needs further investigation.

Pleural and pericardial effusion: a potential ultrasonographic marker for the prenatal differential diagnosis between congenital diaphragmatic eventration and congenital diaphragmatic hernia

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether or not the presence of pleural and/or pericardial effusion can be used prenatally as an ultrasonographic marker for the differential diagnosis between diaphragmatic eventration and diaphragmatic hernia.

METHODS

We present two case reports of non-isolated diaphragmatic eventration associated with pleural and/or pericardial effusion. Additionally, we reviewed the literature for all cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and diaphragmatic eventration that met the following criteria: (1) prenatal diagnosis of a diaphragmatic defect and (2) definitive diagnosis by autopsy or surgery. The frequencies of pleural effusion, pericardial effusion and hydrops were compared between the two conditions using Fisher's exact test. A subanalysis was conducted of cases with isolated diaphragmatic defects (i.e. diaphragmatic defects not associated with hydrops and other major structural or chromosomal anomalies).

RESULTS

A higher proportion of fetuses with diaphragmatic eventration had associated pleural and pericardial effusions compared with fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia (58% (7/12) vs. 3.7% (14/382), respectively, P < 0.001). This observation remained true when only cases of diaphragmatic defects not associated with hydrops and other major structural or chromosomal anomalies were compared (29% (2/7) with eventration vs. 2.2% (4/178) with CDH, P < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of pleural and/or pericardial effusion in patients with diaphragmatic defects should raise the possibility of a congenital diaphragmatic eventration. This information is clinically important for management and counseling because the prognosis and treatment for CDH and congenital diaphragmatic eventration are different. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Eventration of the diaphragm

OBJECTIVE

Eventration of the diaphragm (ED) is defined as the abnormal elevation of the diaphragm. Although asymptomatic ED may be amenable to conservative treatment, symptomatic ED in children, either congenital or acquired, may require surgical treatment. This study evaluated the results of diaphragmatic plication in children with unilateral ED.

METHODS

Fifteen patients who had undergone diaphragmatic plication for ED between 1997 and 2003 were evaluated retrospectively. The diagnosis of ED was established by routine chest radiographs and fluoroscopy. Patients who failed to respond to nonoperative treatment were referred for surgery. Nine patients underwent diaphragmatic fluoroscopy 1-5 years following plication to assess function.

RESULTS

Indications for diaphragmatic plication were respiratory symptoms such as tachypnoea, dyspnoea, recurrent pneumonia and failure to thrive. In 14 patients, the position of the diaphragm was normal after plication, but the diaphragm was elevated without symptoms in one patient during postoperative follow-up. The motion of the diaphragm was investigated in nine patients. Fluoroscopic studies showed that the operated hemidiaphragm was immobile and there was no paradoxical motion. No return of symptoms was found during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

ED is the abnormal elevation of the diaphragm as a result of paralysis or aplasia of the muscular fibres. The abnormally elevated diaphragm may compress the ipsilateral lung, and with respiratory effort the mediastinum may shift towards the normal side. Therefore, diaphragmatic plication is performed to restore normal pulmonary parenchymal volume by replacing the diaphragm in its normal location. After plication, there was immediate remission of symptoms in most patients and decreasing symptoms were observed for a year in others. During follow-up, the location of the diaphragm was normal and no paradoxical movement was observed. Relapse of symptoms was not noted in patients with immobile diaphragms.

Thoracoscopic diaphragmatic procedures under artificial pneumothorax

Diaphragmatic plication is technically simple using a conventional operative technique, but it requires a large skin incision and rib injury. We present an alternative technique for thoracoscopic plication of the diaphragm and evaluate the advantages of the procedure. Six patients (five with diaphragmatic eventration and one with diaphragmatic hernia with a sac) ranging in age from 8 to 20 months were treated by this method. Three of the six cases were right-sided, and three were left-sided. The operation was performed under artificial pneumothorax using carbon dioxide gas at 4 mmHg. Three trocars for laparoscopy were inserted at the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces. An adequate operative view was obtained by pressing the diaphragm throughout the operation. The eventrated diaphragm was plicated with several rows of nonabsorbable sutures in the anterolateral-to-posterolateral direction to prevent injury to the main phrenic nerve. A tight diaphragm was confirmed by decompressing the artificial pneumothorax. The technique was successfully performed in all cases, and the patients' postoperative courses were uneventful. During the operation, the hemodynamic effects of carbon dioxide gas at 4 mmHg were minimal. Over a mean follow-up period of 3.1 years (range, 1-6 years), no recurrence of diaphragmatic eventration was seen. Judging from the satisfactory postoperative course, this procedure is suitable for children with all forms of diaphragmatic eventration.

Laparoscopic diaphragmatic plication: long-term results of a novel surgical technique for postoperative phrenic nerve palsy

BACKGROUND

Paralysis of the diaphragm is a severe complication of cardiothoracic surgery carrying significant morbidity and mortality. This study demonstrates a novel minimally invasive technique for treatment of phrenic nerve injuries presenting with symptomatic eventration of the diaphragm. It also presents long-term results of three patients treated with this operation.

METHODS

Chest x-ray proved eventration of the left diaphragm in all patients. Two patients required treatment due to prolonged respirator therapy/assisted ventilation for 4 weeks after cardiac surgery. One patient suffered from progressive dyspnea caused by increasing left-sided diaphragmatic elevation and underwent surgery 2 years after cardiac surgery. In all cases, a minimally invasive abdominal approach was chosen. During surgery the dome of the diaphragm was pulled down via three percutaneously inserted retention stitches. This resulted in two or three folds of the diaphragm located within the abdomen. These diaphragmatic folds were subsequently tightened using 12 to 15 unresorbable sutures with extracorporally prepared knots. Surgical as well as long-term follow-up results are presented of all patients and a review of the current literature is provided.

RESULTS

Mean operating time was 203 min; mean intraoperative blood loss was 130 ml. No major complications occurred during surgery or the postoperative period. At a median follow-up of 72 months no recurrence was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic diaphragmatic plication provides excellent relief of symptoms caused by diaphragmatic paralysis. There is no perioperative morbidity, and hospital stay is short. The laparoscopic approach, therefore, is an attractive surgical alternative for the treatment of phrenic nerve palsy and should be considered in all suitable patients.

Congenital eventration of the diaphragm in children: 25 years' experience in three pediatric surgery centers

Eventration of the diaphragm is generally defined as an abnormal elevation of all or a portion of an attenuated but otherwise intact diaphragmatic leaf. Previous studies have indicated that eventration is a relatively rare condition, which can be symptomatic and requires surgery. We aimed to evaluate our patients with diaphragmatic eventration, and to discuss their characteristics in the light of the relevant literature. We retrospectively analyzed age, sex, incidence, location of the eventration, symptoms, associated anomalies, surgical technique, complications and survival in our patients. Between 1974 and 1999, 33 patients were treated in the Pediatric Surgery Departments of Ege University, SSK Children's Hospital and Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, 18 of them boys and 15 girls. The ages of our patients ranged from three days to 12 years. All of the patients had at least one of the respiratory symptoms such as cough, respiratory distress and fever; 3 newborns were admitted with severe respiratory distress while children belonging to higher age groups had symptoms of acute or recurrent pulmonary infections and failure to thrive. The eventration was right-sided in 22, 11 eventrations were left-sided. Diagnosis was performed with the help of a number of radiological studies such as fluoroscopic investigation, contrast study of the upper gastrointestinal system, direct X-ray graphies of the thorax, CT scan and ultrasonography, as necessary. Surgery was performed via thoracotomy in 20 patients and the 12 other patients underwent laparotomy for plication. One patient underwent thoracoabdominal plication. Two patients died because of cardio-respiratory complications in the early postoperative period and the rest of them survived to annual follow-ups. In conclusion, diaphragmatic eventration is an important condition which can eventually be mortal. Early diagnosis is necessary and plication is the treatment of choice.

Bilateral diaphragm paralysis following lung transplantation and cardiac surgery in a 17-year-old

Bilateral diaphragm paralysis is a rare complication of lung transplantation. This report describes the development of chronic respiratory failure due to bilateral diaphragm paralysis following bilateral lung transplantation and closure of a patent foramen ovale. This patient required prolonged mechanical ventilation post-operatively; however, he eventually had adequate recovery of diaphragm function to wean from mechanical ventilation.

Diaphragmatic plication in the extremely low birth weight infant

A case of acquired diaphragmatic paralysis in an extremely low birth weight infant complicated by respiratory failure, recurrent atelectasis, and pneumonia is described. Diaphragmatic plication led to a rapid improvement in pulmonary function and allowed for discontinuation of mechanical ventilation in less than 1 week. Therapeutic options for acquired diaphragmatic paralysis, including the rationale for early operative intervention, in this patient population are discussed.

[Thoracic injuries in children]

Chest trauma in children is rare but shows that trauma is severe and the mortality rate is high (30%). Multidisciplinary management of children includes an initial evaluation of respiratory distress, freeing the airways, placing an intercostal tube, stabilizing the chest wall, and analgesia. When vital signs are stable, secondary evaluation includes an etiologic, radiologic and biologic check-up, ending with the therapeutic strategy. Thoracotomy is rarely required, and for most children, only monitoring will be necessary, though this is important because of the risk of secondary decompensation and late diagnosis of potentially fatal lesions.

Surgical embryology and anatomy of the diaphragm with surgical applications

This article reviews the development, surgical anatomy, and teratology of the diaphragm, and discusses the diagnostic procedures, surgical therapy, and prognosis of congenital disturbances. Special attention is paid to the traumatic rupture of the diaphragm, concerning incidence, cause, diagnosis, prognosis, and surgical repair.