Pediatrics: Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

In this chapter the essential aspects of anesthesia for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are discussed. Subtopics include respiratory management of CDH patients, airway management, and postoperative considerations of CDH patients. The chapter is divided into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative sections with important subtopics related to the main topic in each section. Preoperative topics addressed are assessment of respiratory and circulatory findings, including pulmonary hypertension. Discussion of intraoperative management includes monitoring, induction using inhalational induction, intubation, and maintenance of the patient, airway management, goals for ventilation, treating possible pneumothorax, and fluids used, such as glucose. Postoperative concerns addressed are decompensation and patient outcome.