Diaphragmatic hernia : a clinical study

ABSTRACT: In this retrospective study, 76 cases of diaphragmatic hernia and eventration admitted in JIPMER Hospital, Pondicherry, from the year 1981 to 1996 were studied. Our main aim was to study the risk factors affecting mortality. Respiratory distress was the commonest presenting symptom in our patients. Decreased breath sounds on the affected side was the commonest sign elicited. Our study concluded that presentation before 72 hours of birth was found to significantly worsen the outcome. The study also showed that the need for continuous postoperative ventilation was statistically significant in determining the outcome.