Congenital diaphragmatic hernia anesthesia
Pronunciation: die-ah-frag-MAT-ik
Also written as: CDH — Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Specialized anesthetic management for neonates with diaphragmatic hernia requiring careful ventilation and hemodynamic control.
Full Definition
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia anesthesia involves complex management of neonates with absent or defective diaphragmatic development, causing abdominal organs to herniate into the thoracic cavity and compress lung development. These patients present with pulmonary hypoplasia, persistent pulmonary hypertension, and potential right heart failure. Anesthetic management requires gentle ventilation to avoid barotrauma, maintenance of preductal oxygen saturations, and careful fluid management. Nitrous oxide is contraindicated due to gas expansion in herniated bowel loops. The surgery involves reduction of herniated contents and diaphragmatic repair, often requiring postoperative ECMO support in severe cases.
Usage
Usage note: May abbreviate as CDH after first use; specify neonatal when applicable.
In Context
- "The congenital diaphragmatic hernia anesthesia plan included gentle ventilation with permissive hypercapnia and avoidance of nitrous oxide." — Neonatal surgery plan
- "Given the complexity of congenital diaphragmatic hernia anesthesia, the team prepared for potential ECMO cannulation." — Multidisciplinary conference note