Antireflux surgery after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair: a plea for a tailored approach

Approaches to nutrition and feeding in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

In patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia1, nutrition can represent a challenge both in the short and long term. Its failure to resolve can have a significant impact on multiple aspects of the lives of patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), ranging from lung function to neurodevelopment. In this review, we will describe the causes of nutritional problems in patients with CDH, their consequences, and possible strategies to address them.

Management of complicated diaphragmatic hernia in the acute setting: a WSES position paper

BACKGROUND

Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) presenting acutely can be a potentially life-threatening condition. Its management continues to be debatable.

METHODS

A bibliographic search using major databases was performed using the terms "emergency surgery" "diaphragmatic hernia," "traumatic diaphragmatic rupture" and "congenital diaphragmatic hernia." GRADE methodology was used to evaluate the evidence and give recommendations.

RESULTS

CT scan of the chest and abdomen is the diagnostic gold standard to evaluate complicated DH. Appropriate preoperative assessment and prompt surgical intervention are important for a clinical success. Complicated DH repair is best performed via the use of biological and bioabsorbable meshes which have proven to reduce recurrence. The laparoscopic approach is the preferred technique in hemodynamically stable patients without significant comorbidities because it facilitates early diagnosis of small diaphragmatic injuries from traumatic wounds in the thoraco-abdominal area and reduces postoperative complications. Open surgery should be reserved for situations when skills and equipment for laparoscopy are not available, where exploratory laparotomy is needed, or if the patient is hemodynamically unstable. Damage Control Surgery is an option in the management of critical and unstable patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Complicated diaphragmatic hernia is a rare life-threatening condition. CT scan of the chest and abdomen is the gold standard for diagnosing the diaphragmatic hernia. Laparoscopic repair is the best treatment option for stable patients with complicated diaphragmatic hernias. Open repair is considered necessary in majority of unstable patients in whom Damage Control Surgery can be life-saving.

Do FETO CDH survivors need the same follow-up program as non-FETO patients?

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors are at risk of developing significant chronic health conditions and disabilities. The main purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of CDH infants at 2 years of age (2y) according to whether the infants had undergone fetoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) during the prenatal period and characterize the relationship between morbidity at 2y and perinatal characteristics. Retrospective cohort single center study. Eleven years of clinical follow-up data (from 2006 to 2017) were collected. Prenatal and neonatal factors as well as growth, respiratory, and neurological evaluations at 2y were analyzed. One hundred and fourteen CDH survivors were evaluated. Failure to thrive (FTT) was present in 24.6% of patients, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in 22.8%, 28.9% developed respiratory problems, and 22% had neurodevelopment disabilities. Prematurity and birth weight < 2500 g were related to FTT and respiratory morbidity. Time to reach full enteral nutrition and prenatal severity markers seemed to influence all outcomes, but FETO therapy itself only had an effect on respiratory morbidity. Some variables related to postnatal severity (ECMO, patch closure, days on mechanic ventilation, and vasodilator treatment) were associated with almost all outcomes.  Conclusion: CDH patients have specific morbidities at 2y, most of them related to lung hypoplasia severity. Only respiratory problems were related to FETO therapy itself. The implementation of a specific multidisciplinary follow-up program for CDH patients is essential to provide them the best standard of care, but, more severe patients, regardless of whether they received prenatal therapy, need a more intensive follow-up. What is Known: • Antenatal fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO) increases survival in more severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients. • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors are at risk of developing significant chronic health conditions and disabilities. Very limited data are available about the follow-up in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and FETO therapy. What is New: • CDH patients have specific morbidities at 2 years of age, most of them related to lung hypoplasia severity. • FETO patients present more respiratory problems at 2 years of age but they don't have an increased incidence of other morbidities. More severe patients, regardless of whether they received prenatal therapy, need a more intensive follow-up.

Impact of previous abdominal surgery on the outcome of fundoplication for medically refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease in children and young adults

Importance

Fundoplication (FP) is a well-established surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refractory to medical therapy in children and young adults. During FP, previous abdominal surgery (PAS) can impair the patient’s outcome by causing technical difficulties and increasing intra- and postoperative complication rates.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of PAS on the short- and long-term outcome following FP for refractory GERD in a cohort of patients aged < 23 years.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 182 patients undergoing a total of 201 FP procedures performed at our university center for pediatric surgery from February 1999 to October 2019. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables were recorded and their impact on the rate of intraoperative complications and revision FP (reFP) was analyzed.

Results

A total of 201 FP procedures were performed on 182 patients: 119 (59.2%) as Thal-FP (180° anterior wrap) and 82 (40.8%) as Nissen-FP (360°circular wrap; 67.2% laparoscopic, 32.8% open, 8.9% conversion). The presence of PAS (95 cases, 47.3%) was associated with significantly longer operative times for FP (153.4 ± 53.7 vs.126.1 ± 56.4 min, p = 0.001) and significantly longer hospital stays (10.0 ± 7.0 vs. 7.0 ± 4.0 days, p < 0.001), while the rates of intraoperative surgical complications (1.1% vs. 1.9%, p = 1.000) and the rate re-FP in the long term (8.4% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.19) during a follow-up period of 53.4 ± 44.5 months were comparable to the group without PAS.

Conclusion

In cases of PAS in children and young adults, FP for refractory GERD might necessitate longer operative times and longer hospital stays but can be performed with surgery-related short- and long-term complication rates comparable to cases without PAS.

Long-Term Evaluation of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Neonates with and without Preventive Anti-reflux Surgery at the Time of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair

One potential comorbidity after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which can have a substantial effect on patients’ quality of life, thriving, and complications later in life. Efforts have been made to reduce gastroesophageal reflux with a preventive anti-reflux procedure at the time of CDH repair. In this follow-up study of neonates participating in a primary RCT study on preventive anti-reflux surgery, symptoms of GER were assessed longitudinally. Long-term data with a median follow-up time of ten years was available in 66 patients. Thirty-one neonates received an initial fundoplication. Secondary anti-reflux surgery was necessary in 18% and only in patients with large defects. It was required significantly more often in patients with intrathoracic herniation of liver (p = 0.015) and stomach (p = 0.019) and patch repair (p = 0.03). Liver herniation was the only independent risk factor identified in multivariate regression analysis. Primary fundopexy and hemifundoplication did not reveal a protective effect regarding the occurrence of GER symptoms, the need for secondary antireflux surgery or the gain of body weight regardless of defect size neither in the short nor in the long term. Symptoms of GER must be assessed carefully especially in children with large defects, as these are prone to require secondary anti-reflux surgery in the long-term. Routine evaluation of GER including endoscopy and impedance measurement should be recommended especially for high-risk patients.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare birth defect characterized by incomplete closure of the diaphragm and herniation of fetal abdominal organs into the chest that results in pulmonary hypoplasia, postnatal pulmonary hypertension owing to vascular remodelling and cardiac dysfunction. The high mortality and morbidity rates associated with CDH are directly related to the severity of cardiopulmonary pathophysiology. Although the aetiology remains unknown, CDH has a polygenic origin in approximately one-third of cases. CDH is typically diagnosed with antenatal ultrasonography, which also aids in risk stratification, alongside fetal MRI and echocardiography. At specialized centres, prenatal management includes fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion, which is a surgical intervention aimed at promoting lung growth in utero. Postnatal management focuses on cardiopulmonary stabilization and, in severe cases, can involve extracorporeal life support. Clinical practice guidelines continue to evolve owing to the rapidly changing landscape of therapeutic options, which include pulmonary hypertension management, ventilation strategies and surgical approaches. Survivors often have long-term, multisystem morbidities, including pulmonary dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux, musculoskeletal deformities and neurodevelopmental impairment. Emerging research focuses on small RNA species as biomarkers of severity and regenerative medicine approaches to improve fetal lung development.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) reportedly has neurologic consequences in childhood however little is known about the impact in isolated CDH.

AIMS

Herein we aimed to describe the risk of neurodevelopmental complications in children born with isolated CDH.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We systematically reviewed literature for reports on the neurological outcome of infants born with isolated CDH. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental delay. Secondary outcomes included, motor skills, intelligence, vision, hearing, language and behavior abnormalities.

RESULTS

Thirteen out of 87 (15%) studies reported on isolated CDH, including 2624 out of 24,146 children. Neurodevelopmental delay was investigated in four studies and found to be present in 16% (3-34%) of children. This was mainly attributed to motor problems in 13% (2-30%), whereas cognitive dysfunction only in 5% (0-20%) and hearing in 3% (1-7%). One study assessed the effect of fetal surgery. When both isolated and non-isolated children were included, these numbers were higher.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review demonstrates that only a minority of studies focused on isolated CDH, with neurodevelopmental delay present in 16% of children born with CDH.

CONCLUSION

To accurately counsel patients, more research should focus on isolated CDH cases and examine children that underwent fetal surgery.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias: Severe defect grade predicts the need for fundoplication

Over one-third of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) eventually require a Nissen fundoplication (NF). We examined pre- and intraoperative predictors for need of a NF in children undergoing CDH repair to elucidate, which patients will need a later NF.A retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing CDH repair at our institution from 2008 to 2018 was performed. Patients who underwent a NF were compared to those who did not (noNissen). Logistic regression analysis was performed to find independent predictors for NF in patients undergoing CDH repair. Severe Defect Grade was defined as defect >50% of the hemidiaphragm and intrathoracic liver.One hundred twenty-six patients were included, 42 (33%) underwent NF at a median of 61 days after CDH repair. Intrathoracic liver was more frequent in the NF (71%) versus noNissen (45%) group (P = .008). Absence of >50% of the hemidiaphragm was more frequent in the NF group (76% vs 31%, P < .001). Severe Defect Grade emerged as independent predictor for NF (odds ratio 7, 95% confidence interval 3-16, P < .001).Severe Defect Grade emerged as independent predictor for NF after CDH repair.

Esophageal pH-impedance monitoring in children: position paper on indications, methodology and interpretation by the SIGENP working group

Multichannel intraluminal impedance pH (MII-pH) monitoring currently represents the gold standard diagnostic technique for the detection of gastro-esophageal reflux (GER), since it allows to quantify and characterize all reflux events and their possible relation with symptoms. Over the last ten years, thanks to its strengths and along with the publication of several clinical studies, its worldwide use has gradually increased, particularly in infants and children. Nevertheless, factors such as the limited pediatric reference values and limited therapeutic options still weaken its current clinical impact. Through an up-to-date review of the available scientific evidence, our aim was to produce a position paper on behalf of the working group on neurogastroenterology and acid-related disorders of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) on MII-pH monitoring technique, indications and interpretation in pediatric age, in order to standardise its use and to help clinicians in the diagnostic approach to children with GER symptoms.

A systematic review with meta-analysis of the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in congenital diaphragmatic hernia pediatric survivors

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors are a well-known group at risk for developing gastroesophageal reflux disease that may be particularly long-term severe. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in infant and children survivors treated for congenital diaphragmatic hernia.Electronic and manual searches were performed with keywords related to congenital diaphragmatic hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and epidemiology terms. Summary estimates of the prevalence were calculated. Effect model was chosen depending on heterogeneity (I2). Factors potentially related with the prevalence, including study quality or the diagnostic strategy followed, were assessed by subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Risk of publication bias was studied by funnel plot analysis and the Egger test.The search yielded 140 articles, 26 of which were included in the analyses and provided 34 estimates of prevalence: 21 in patients aged 12 months or younger, and 13 in older children. The overall prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in infants was 52.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.2% to 62.1%, I2 = 88.7%) and, in children over 1 year old, 35.1% (95% CI: 25.4% to 45.3%, I2 = 73.5%). Significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity was found. The strategy chosen for gastroesophageal reflux diagnosis influenced the reported prevalence. The only estimate obtained with a systematic use of multichannel intraluminal impedance provided a higher prevalence in both age groups: 83.3% (95% CI: 67.2% to 93.6%) and 61.1% (95% CI: 43.5% to 76.9%) respectively. This last prevalence did not significantly differ from that obtained using only low risk of bias estimates.As a conclusion, gastroesophageal reflux disease is commonly observed after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair and is almost constantly present in the first months of life. It may be underdiagnosed if systematically esophageal monitoring is not performed. This should be considered when proposing follow-up and management protocols for congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors.

Protective effect of baicalin on fetal lung development in a rabbit model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Bacalin has been reported to improve fetal lung growth by increasing fetal lung surfactant phospholipids. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effect of transplacental treatment of baicalin during lung development in rabbits with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (DH) rabbit. DH was induced in fetal rabbit on gestational day 23 and baicalin injections were administered daily until term period. Fetal survival rate, body weight and lung-to-body weight ratio (LBWR) were subsequently measured, and the expression of surfactant protein B (SPB) and Ki-67, and morphometry analysis was determined in lung tissues. It was observed that in baicalin treated group the fetal survival rate and LBWR were decreased compared with the control without DH group. Lung morphometry results suggested that treatment with baicalin did not significantly ameliorate congenital DH, and adventitial and medial thickness were similar to those in the control groups, and less muscularization of vessels measuring 30–60 µm. Furthermore, baicalin treatment did not markedly affect the expressions of Ki-67 and SPB in fetuses with DH. Baicalin was demonstrated to improve the morphology of lung in rabbits; however, as it did not induce marked airway changes this present study suggests that baicalin is not suitable for the management of congenital DH.

Long-term morbidity of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A plea for standardization

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) survivors present long-term morbidities in several systems, including the neurodevelopmental, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal ones, and CDH long-term sequelae are increasingly being recognized. Due to high co-morbidity, health related quality of life in a significant proportion of CDH patients might be compromised. As a consequence of consciousness on the long-term sequelae of CDH survivors, and their consequences for life, several follow-up programs were brought to life worldwide. In this review, we will summarize the long-term sequelae of CDH survivors, the impact of new treatments, and analyze the consistency of follow-up programs.

Clinical Outcome for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia at the Age of 1 Year in the Era of Fetal Intervention

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is an abnormal development of the diaphragm leading to high neonatal mortality and morbidity. Beyond the neonatal period, prospective data on overall long-term outcome in CDH survivors is scarce. In particular, for those treated with fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO), a promising new technique to increase survival chances for severe cases, the outcomes are even less documented.

AIM

To prospectively document the clinical outcome of CDH at 1 year including FETO-treated infants in relation to ante- and postnatal variables.

METHODS

A single-centre prospective clinical follow-up at 1 year of age included a standardised respiratory questionnaire.

RESULTS

Thirty-four CDH survivors were included, 10 of which were FETO-treated infants. At 1 year, the median weight z score was -1.50 (interquartile range [IQR]: -2.45 to -0.88) and 10/34 were "failure to thrive" (FTT) cases. Gastro-intestinal (GI) problems at 1 year were mainly related to gastro-oesophageal reflux (16/34) with a high need for tube feeding in the first year (9/34). Tachypnoea was present in 10/29 (34%) and 8/34 (24%) were on chronic inhaled medication. The median total respiratory symptom score was 20 (IQR: 13-32) and correlated with the number of neonatal ventilation days (p = 0.048). Hospital re-admission occurred in 19/34 infants (56%), and was for respiratory problems in almost half of them (8/19).

CONCLUSION

In this CDH cohort, morbidity at 1 year was determined more by GI problems and FTT than respiratory morbidity. The respiratory questionnaire may, however, have underestimated the respiratory morbidity since respondents had a 1-in-4 chance to have persistent tachypnoea and be on chronic inhalation therapy.

Standardized Postnatal Management of Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in Europe: The CDH EURO Consortium Consensus - 2015 Update

In 2010, the congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) EURO Consortium published a standardized neonatal treatment protocol. Five years later, the number of participating centers has been raised from 13 to 22. In this article the relevant literature is updated, and consensus has been reached between the members of the CDH EURO Consortium. Key updated recommendations are: (1) planned delivery after a gestational age of 39 weeks in a high-volume tertiary center; (2) neuromuscular blocking agents to be avoided during initial treatment in the delivery room; (3) adapt treatment to reach a preductal saturation of between 80 and 95% and postductal saturation >70%; (4) target PaCO2 to be between 50 and 70 mm Hg; (5) conventional mechanical ventilation to be the optimal initial ventilation strategy, and (6) intravenous sildenafil to be considered in CDH patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. This article represents the current opinion of all consortium members in Europe for the optimal neonatal treatment of CDH.

The Effect of Transplacental Administration of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 on Fetal Lung Development in the Rabbit Model of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Objective: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) increases surfactant protein expression in type 2 pneumocytes. Herein, we determine if transplacental GLP-1 treatment accelerates lung growth in the fetal rabbit model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (DH). Methods: Time-mated does had an induction of DH on day 23 followed by daily GLP-1 or placebo injection until term. At that time, the does were weighed, fetal blood was obtained for GLP-1 assay, and the lungs were dissected. Fetal outcome measures were lung-to-body-weight ratio (LBWR), morphometry, and Ki67 and surfactant protein B (SPB) expression. Results: Maternal weight loss in the GLP-1 group was 7.1%. Fetal survival was lower in GLP-1 fetuses compared to placebo controls (27/85, 32% vs. 35/57, 61%; p < 0.05). Fetal GLP-1 levels were increased 3.6-fold. The LBWR of GLP-1 DH fetuses fell within the range of DH placebo fetuses (1.166 ± 0.207% vs. 1.312 ± 0.418%), being significantly lower than that of placebo-exposed unoperated fetuses (2.280 ± 0.522%; p < 0.001). GLP-1 did not improve airway morphometry. GLP-1 DH lungs had a reduced adventitial and medial thickness within the range of controls, and lesser muscularization of vessels measuring 30-60 µm. There were no differences in Ki67 and SPB expression. Conclusion: GLP-1 at this dosage improves peripheric pulmonary vessel morphology in intra-acinar vessels with no effect on airway morphometry but with significant maternal and fetal side effects. Thus, it is an unlikely medical strategy.

Diaphragm Repair with a Novel Cross-Linked Collagen Biomaterial in a Growing Rabbit Model

Background

Neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and large defects often require patch closure. Acellular collagen matrices (ACM) have been suggested as an alternative to synthetic durable patches as they are remodeled by the host or could also be used for tissue engineering purposes.

Materials and Methods

2.0x1.0 cm diaphragmatic defects were created in 6-weeks old New-Zealand white rabbits. We compared reconstruction with a purpose-designed cross-linked ACM (Matricel) to 4-layer non-cross-linked small intestinal submucosa (SIS) and a 1-layer synthetic Dual Mesh (Gore-Tex). Unoperated animals or animals undergoing primary closure (4/0 polyglecaprone) served as age-matched controls. 60 (n = 25) resp. 90 (n = 17) days later, animals underwent chest x-ray and obduction for gross examination of explants, scoring of adhesion and inflammatory response. Also, uniaxial tensiometry was done, comparing explants to contralateral native diaphragmatic tissue.

Results

Overall weight nearly doubled from 1,554±242 g at surgery to 2,837±265 g at obduction (+84%). X-rays did show rare elevation of the left diaphragm (SIS = 1, Gore-Tex = 1, unoperated control = 1), but no herniation of abdominal organs. 56% of SIS and 10% of Matricel patches degraded with visceral bulging in four (SIS = 3, Matricel = 1). Adhesion scores were limited: 0.5 (Matricel) to 1 (SIS, Gore-Tex) to the left lung (p = 0.008) and 2.5 (Gore-Tex), 3 (SIS) and 4 (Matricel) to the liver (p<0.0001). Tensiometry revealed a reduced bursting strength but normal compliance for SIS. Compliance was reduced in Matricel and Gore-Tex (p<0.01). Inflammatory response was characterized by a more polymorphonuclear cell (SIS) resp. macrophage (Matricel) type of infiltrate (p<0.05). Fibrosis was similar for all groups, except there was less mature collagen deposited to Gore-Tex implants (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Matricel induced a macrophage-dominated inflammatory response, more adhesions, had appropriate strength but a lesser compliance compared to native tissue. The herein investigated ACM is not a viable option for CDH repair.

Outcome of right-sided diaphragmatic hernia repair: a multicentre study

AIM

Right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (R-CDH) occurs in 14 to 25% of all CDH cases. The current literature comparing the outcome of R-CDH vs left CDH (L-CDH) is inconsistent, with some studies reporting higher and others lower mortality in R-CDH compared to L-CDH. The aim of our multicentre study was to analyse characteristics and outcome of R-CDH.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 178 consecutive infants with CDH who underwent surgical repair of CDH at three European tertiary pediatric surgical centres from three different countries between 2000 and 2009. The analysis focused on demographic data, morbidity and mortality in R-CDH compared with L-CDH.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 178 children, 32 (18.0%) right-sided and 146 (82.0 %) left-sided cases of CDH were identified. Prenatal diagnosis was made in 8 R-CDH vs 67 L-CDH (25.0 vs 45.9%, p = 0.030). Median gestational age in R-CDH was 39 weeks (range 29-42 weeks) and 39 weeks in L-CDH (range 28-43 weeks, p = 0.943). Median birth weight in R-CDH was 3233 g (range 905-4480 g) and in L-CDH was 3060 g (range 1065-5240 g, p = 0.184). Major associated anomalies were present in 19 R-CDH vs 46 L-CDH (59.4 vs 31.5%, p = 0.003). Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was required in 3 R-CDH vs 19 L-CDH (9.4 vs 13.0%, p = 0.571). A diaphragmatic patch was used in 13 R-CDH and 59 L-CDH (40.6 vs 40.4%, p = 0.982). Fundoplication for GERD was required in 1 R-CDH and 19 L-CDH (3.1 vs 13.0 %, p = 0.109). No significant differences were observed in recurrence rate (9.4 vs 8.9%, p = 0.933). Postoperative mortality rate was significantly higher in R-CDH compared to L-CDH (21.9 vs 8.2%, p = 0.023). In R-CDH, prenatal diagnosis and patch repair correlated with mortality by univariate regression (p = 0.005 and p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

This multicentre study shows that prenatal diagnosis and patch repair were associated with an increased mortality rate in R-CDH. However, the morbidity following repair of R-CDH was not significantly different from that in L-CDH in survivors.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

There is a paucity of level 1 and level 2 evidence for best practice in surgical management of CDH. Antenatal imaging and prognostication is developing. Observed to expected lung-to-head ratio on ultrasound allows better predictive value over simple lung-to-head ratio. Based on 2 randomised studies, the verdict is still out in terms the best group and indication for antenatal intervention and their outcome. Tracheal occlusion is best suited for prospective randomised studies of benefit and outcome. Only one pilot randomised controlled study of thoracoscopic repair exists, suggesting increased acidosis; blood gases and CO2 levels should be closely monitored. Only poorly controlled retrospective studies suggest higher recurrence rates. Randomised studies on the outcome of thoracoscopic repair are needed. Careful selection, anaesthetic vigilance, monitoring and follow-up of these cases are required. There is no evidence to suggest the best patch material to decrease recurrences. Evidence suggests no benefit from routine fundoplication based on the one randomised study. Multi-disciplinary follow-up is required. This can be visits to different specialities, but may be best served by a multi-disciplinary one-stop clinic.

Prenatal management of the fetus with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia in the era of the TOTAL trial

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) may be isolated or associated with other structural anomalies, the latter with poor prognosis. The defect allows viscera to herniate through the defect into the chest, competing for space with the developing lungs. At birth, pulmonary hypoplasia leads to respiratory insufficiency and persistent pulmonary hypertension that is lethal in up to 30% of patients. When isolated, survival chances can be predicted by antenatal measurement of lung size and liver herniation. Chromosomal microarrays and exome sequencing contribute to understanding genetic factors underlying isolated CDH. Prenatal intervention aims at stimulating lung development, clinically achieved by percutaneous fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) under local anesthesia. The Tracheal Occlusion To Accelerate Lung growth trial (www.totaltrial.eu) is an international randomized trial investigating the role of fetal therapy for severe and moderate pulmonary hypoplasia. Despite an apparent increase in survival following FETO, the search for lesser invasive and more potent prenatal interventions must continue.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: where and what is the evidence?

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) retains high mortality and morbidity due to lung hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension and severe co-existent anomalies. This article offers a comprehensive state-of-the-art review for the paediatric surgeon whilst also describing key contributions from the basic sciences in the search to uncover the cause of the birth defect together with efforts to develop new and better therapies for CDH.

Full thickness abdominal wall defect in growing rats as a model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia prosthetic repair

BACKGROUND

Large congenital diaphragmatic hernia may require prosthetic correction. Acellular collagen matrices were introduced to avoid complications owing to the use of synthetic patches. We tested 3 different ACM for reconstruction of an abdominal wall defect in an animal model that mimics the fast growth during infancy.

METHODS

Pelvisoft® (CR Bard, Covington, GA) and 2 investigational ACM were used for primary reconstruction of a full thickness abdominal wall defect. 3months-old rats (n=26) were allowed to survive for 90days after implantation. Anatomical, tensiometric and histological analyses were performed. Based on good outcomes, we did the same with 1month-old rats (n=54). Unoperated rats were used for obtaining reference tensiometric values of selected native tissues.

RESULTS

Major wound complications were exclusively observed in 1month-old rats. All explants in both groups thinned significantly (p<0.03) and had an elastic modulus increasing over time, far above that from native tissues at 90days of life. Both investigational ACM induced a more vigorous foreign body reaction than Pelvisoft(®).

CONCLUSIONS

The shift from 3 to 1month-old rats was associated with wound complications. Pelvisoft® showed a better biocompatibility than the 2 investigational ACM. Passive biomechanical properties of all explants were still not comparable to that of native tissues.