Late Complication of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Recurrent Small Bowel Obstruction

Small Bowel Obstruction Following Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair-Incidence and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a known complication following congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair, resulting in significant morbidity and potential mortality. Our study aims to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for SBO following CDH repair.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective review evaluated all CDH births between January 2010 and September 2022 (n = 120). Risk factors for SBO were analyzed, including operative approach, type of repair, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and additional abdominal surgeries (gastrostomy tube and fundoplication).

RESULTS

120 patients were included. 16 (13%) patients developed an SBO, of which 94% were due to adhesive bands. The median time to SBO was 7.5 months. 15/16 (94%) patients required operative intervention. Need for ECMO (P < 0.01), prior gastrostomy tube (P < 0.01), and prior fundoplication (P < 0.01) were associated with an increased risk of SBO, as were longer time to initial CDH repair (6 days vs 3 days; P < 0.01) and longer length of initial hospitalization (63 days vs 29 days; P = 0.01).

DISCUSSION

Neonates with increased acuity of illness (ie, those requiring ECMO, additional abdominal operations, longer time to repair, and longer initial hospitalizations) appear to have an increased risk of developing adhesive SBO after CDH repair. More than 90% of patients who developed SBO required surgery.

Reduced Long-Term Bowel Obstruction Risk With Minimally Invasive Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair

INTRODUCTION

The introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) has reduced postoperative length of stay, postoperative opioid consumption, and provided a more esthetic repair. In adult abdominal surgery, minimally invasive techniques have been associated with decreased long-term rates of small bowel obstruction (SBO), although it is unclear if this benefit carries over into the pediatric population. Our objective was to evaluate the rates of SBO following open versus MIS CDH repair.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Infants who underwent CDH repair between 2010 and 2021 were identified using the PearlDiver Mariner database. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate time to SBO by surgical approach (MIS versus open) while adjusting for mesh use, patient sex, and length of stay.

RESULTS

Of 1033 patients that underwent CDH repair, 258 (25.0%) underwent a minimally invasive approach. The overall rate of SBO was 7.5% (n = 77). Rate of SBO following MIS repair was lower than open repair at 1 y (0.8% versus 5.1%), 3 y, (2.3% versus 9.0%), and 5 y (4.4% versus 10.1%, P = 0.004). Following adjustment, the rate of SBO following MIS repair remained significantly lower than open repair (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.18, 0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Following CDH repair, long-term rates of SBO are lower among patients treated with MIS approaches. Long-term risk of SBO should be considered when selecting surgical approach for CDH patients.