General information
The anatomical abnormalities of the diaphragm due to CDH include herniation, eventration (outpouching of an abnormally thin part of the diaphragm into the chest cavity) and complete agenesis (absence) of the diaphragm. Approximately 80% of diaphragmatic hernias occur on the left side, 13% are on the right side, and 2% are bilateral. CDH refers to a heterogeneous group of anatomical anomalies ranging from very large holes in the diaphragm, which are associated with a mortality rate of 90-100%, to small-sized holes, which have minor clinical implications. About 90-100% of newborns with small holes in the diaphragm survive the neonatal period.