Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of laparoscopic repair of Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia. A questionnaire was sent to members of the Groupe d'Étude en Coeliochirurgie Infantile (GECI) in January 2001. Data for 22 cases were collected. The mean age of the patients was 37 months. Associated anomalies were Down's syndrome (five cases) and myopathy (one case). Three trocars were sufficient in most of the cases. Reduction of the contents of the hernia occurred spontaneously in six cases and was easily accomplished in 15 cases. It was difficult in two cases. The sac was removed in 16 cases. The defect was closed without a prosthetic patch in 18 cases and with a prosthetic patch in four. One operation was converted because of a defect that was too wide. In 18 of the 22 patients, extubation could be performed immediately after the operation. The mean hospital stay was 5.4 days. One recurrence developed 3 months after primary closure without resection of the sac. Redo by laparoscopy was successful. We conclude that laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia in children is feasible.
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