Complications
CDH is an anatomical abnormality that affects three very important systems for human life: the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. Potential complications and complaints can affect any of these systems.
Circulatory system
The most important cardiovascular complication of CDH is pulmonary hypertension. A neonatologist and a cardiologist will assess the newborn’s heart function and pulmonary circulation, and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.
Digestive system
The intestine, stomach and liver displaced by the surgeon may not function properly (especially soon after the surgery). You should therefore be careful when feeding your baby, look out for worrying symptoms and follow medical advice.
Respiratory system
CDH can be associated with a wide range of respiratory symptoms. Your child may experience breathlessness, coughing, difficulty breathing. Although this occurs very rarely, but it is possible that you and your baby will be discharged home with an oxygen concentrator (if your baby needs oxygen-enriched air for breathing). However, this occurs very rarely and is usually a temporary situation.
Other symptoms
Other rare complications or medical problems coexisting with CDH, such as abnormal structure of the chest, deafness, abnormal neurological development, are also described in the literature. This is very rare and a vast majority of babies discharged home after the FETO procedure and hernia repair surgery develop normally.