Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) Repair

minimum cost
₱ 0
maximum cost
₱ 0

Things you need to know

1.What is CDH Repair​?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is CDH Repair?

.

Why do you need CDH Repair ?

CDH repair is indicated for:

  • Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH):
    • A defect in the diaphragm (usually left-sided, 80–85% of cases) present at birth, occurring in 1 in 2,500–4,000 live births.
    • Symptoms: Respiratory distress (rapid breathing, cyanosis), scaphoid abdomen (sunken belly), or heart sounds shifted to the right.
  • Associated complications:
    • Pulmonary hypoplasia: Underdeveloped lungs due to compression by herniated organs.
    • Pulmonary hypertension: High blood pressure in lung vessels, complicating oxygenation.
  • Timing:
    • Surgery typically delayed until the infant is stabilized (24–72 hours post-birth), depending on respiratory status and pulmonary hypertension.

The procedure aims to close the diaphragmatic defect, reposition abdominal organs, and support lung function, improving breathing and survival, often requiring intensive neonatal care.

Why Do CDH Repair Costs Vary in Philippines?

.

CDH Repair Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
    • Stabilization: Ventilation (often high-frequency oscillatory ventilation), nitric oxide for pulmonary hypertension, or ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) in severe cases.
    • Consent: Risks, including recurrence, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • CDH Repair:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 1–3 hours.
      • Approach:
        • Open surgery: Subcostal incision (below ribs, 5–8 cm), more common in India.
        • Laparoscopic/thoracoscopic: Minimally invasive (small incisions, camera-guided); used in stable infants at advanced centers.
      • Repair:
        • Herniated organs (e.g., intestines, stomach) gently reduced into the abdomen.
        • Diaphragmatic defect closed with sutures (primary repair) if small.
        • Patch repair: Synthetic (e.g., Gore-Tex) or biological patch used for large defects (30–50% of cases).
      • Chest tube: May be placed to drain fluid/air and support lung expansion.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Endoscope (if minimally invasive): Visualizes defect.
      • Sutures/patch: Closes the defect.
      • Ventilator: Supports breathing during surgery.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 2–6 weeks (NICU).
    • Care: Mechanical ventilation (days to weeks), feeding via nasogastric tube (NGT) initially.
    • Pain management: Moderate pain for 3–7 days; managed with IV analgesics (e.g., fentanyl).
    • Instructions: Monitor for respiratory distress; gradual weaning from ventilator.

Recovery After CDH Repair

  1. Hospital Stay: 2–6 weeks (NICU).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Ventilation: Most require ventilator support for 1–4 weeks; ECMO (if used) for 1–2 weeks.
    • Feeding: NGT for 1–3 weeks; oral feeding starts once stable (2–4 weeks).
    • Pain/Swelling: Moderate pain for 3–7 days; incision swelling resolves in 1–2 weeks.
    • Breathing: Gradual improvement as lungs adapt; pulmonary hypertension may persist.
    • Activity: Normal infant activities once off ventilator; avoid pressure on abdomen.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
    • Chest X-ray/Echocardiogram: At 1–3 months to monitor lung growth and heart function.
    • Developmental assessment: At 6–12 months for milestones (e.g., feeding, growth).

Full recovery varies; many leave NICU in 4–6 weeks, but lung development continues over years. Survival rate: 60–80% with modern care (lower in severe cases with pulmonary hypoplasia); long-term outcomes depend on lung function.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Bleeding (2–5%): Intra-abdominal bleeding; may need transfusion.
    • Infection (3–5%): At incision site or lungs (pneumonia); treated with antibiotics.
    • Anesthesia risks (<1%): Reaction to general anesthesia; rare in stable infants.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Hernia recurrence (5–15%): Defect reopens, esp. with patch repair; needs revision surgery.
    • Pulmonary hypertension (20–40%): May persist, requiring ongoing treatment (e.g., sildenafil).
    • Bowel obstruction (2–5%): Due to adhesions; may need surgery.
    • Chylothorax (1–3%): Fluid leak into chest; managed with drainage or diet changes.
  • Long-Term:
    • Chronic lung disease (10–20%): Due to pulmonary hypoplasia; may need oxygen support.
    • Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD, 30–50%): Common in CDH; managed with medication.
    • Developmental delays (10–20%): Due to prolonged hospitalization; needs therapy.

Report respiratory distress, fever, vomiting, or poor feeding promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes CDH?

Unknown; genetic factors, environmental exposures; occurs in 1 in 2,500–4,000 births.

Can I avoid CDH repair?

No, surgery is necessary to prevent lung damage and ensure survival; non-surgical care only stabilizes pre-surgery.

Is CDH repair painful?

Moderate pain for 3–7 days, managed with IV analgesics; infants recover with proper care.

How soon can my child resume normal activities?

Off ventilator: 1–4 weeks; normal feeding: 2–4 weeks; full recovery: Months to years (lung growth).

Is CDH repair covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for congenital defects; confirm with your provider; Ayushman Bharat often subsidizes.

Signs of complications?

Respiratory distress, fever, vomiting, or poor feeding.

Will my child have normal lung function?

60–80% survive; lung function varies—some need long-term support; regular monitoring is key.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Monitor breathing, manage GERD, attend follow-ups (lung, development), and avoid respiratory infections.

Conclusion

.

Looking for Best Hospitals for CDH Repair

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

Scroll to Top