Clinical Presentation (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia)

The clinical presentation (symptoms, signs and time of onset) of the congenital diaphragmatic hernia depends on the type of diaphragmatic hernia (Bochdalek's versus Morgagni hernia), on the absence or presence of a hernia sac, on the size of the defect, on the content of the herniated viscera, and mainly on the condition of the lung(s). In the synopsis only the synonyms Bochdalek's and Morgagni hernia are used for simplicity, although some authors use the term Morgagni hernia only for the more frequently involved right side, and use for the left side of sternocostal hernia the term 'Larrey's hernia'. 'RDS' stands for respiratory distress syndrome.