High risk congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Factors predicting mortality

: A retrospective study of patients with high-risk congenital diaphragmatic hernia operated on in our hospital the last 15 years is made in order to establish some predictors involved in the final evolution of the patients. The best prognostic correlation has been demonstrated by preoperatory roentgenogram, Apgar-test and gasometric values 24 hours after surgical repair. A delayed surgical operation is also correlated with a better prognosis in accordance with the suitability of respiratory stabilization of the patient before the stress of surgery or because of a lesser respiratory insufficiency in patients operated on later.