Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair: Bridging therapy for successful outcomes

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare congenital disease with harmful potential. Mortality is often related to underlying pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can serve as a bridging therapy for critical patients when all medical treatments and conventional ventilation strategies fail. However, operating on a neonate with CDH during ECMO poses a unique challenge to paediatric surgeons. In the present study, we report our experience with Hong Kong’s first case of CDH repair under ECMO.