Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a condition where babies are born with a hole in their diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen). This results in the abdominal organs to enter or herniate into the chest, which can impact lung growth in the womb, resulting in smaller than normal lungs and breathing problems after birth. Babies with CDH need to be cared for in a NICU and often require a breathing tube and ventilator after birth. Surgery is required to repair the diaphragm. Some babies require extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a type of heart-lung bypass machine, until their heart and lungs improve. Children with CDH require multiple specialists to care for them after birth and throughout childhood.

At Phoenix Children’s, our Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Clinic provides comprehensive care starting from pregnancy at the Center for Fetal and Neonatal Care, to after birth at our Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and throughout childhood.

 

Highlights of our program include:

  • Continuity of care. You will experience seamless care, starting from pregnancy, where you will meet the team of specialists caring for your baby, including physicians from pediatric surgery, cardiology, and neonatology. The same team of specialists will care for your baby after birth.
  • Level IV NICU. We are the only level IV NICU in the state of Arizona, providing the highest level of care to babies from all over the state and beyond. Our multidisciplinary team will round daily on your baby.
  • ECMO Program. ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a type of heart-lung bypass machine used to treat children with severe heart or lung problems. We have the most comprehensive, uninterrupted pediatric ECMO program in Arizona.
  • CDH Clinic. After your child is discharged from the NICU, they will continue to be cared for by a team of specialists in our CDH clinic.