Repairing diaphragmatic hernia w!thout extra corporeal membrane oxygenerator

Abstract EN

The mortality rate of congenital diaphragmatic hernia presenting in the neonatal period remains frustratingly high.

We reviewed 20 patients, we had over the last 7years trying to assess blood gas values taken immediately preoperatively as a predictor of survival.

Patients with PH<7.2 or Pco2>60 had high mortality.

Patients with blood oxygen saturation >90% at whatever ventilatory setting had a good chance of survival.

Out of 13 patients operated upon we had 7 survivals (54%).

We believe that our findings just test the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia which is inherent to this condition and which remains unresolved.