CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIAS: OCCURENCE IN ADULTS

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are often diagnosed late since they present with non-specific respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in adulthood. Congenital defects of the diaphragm are the result of merging of the diaphragm or closure of the diaphragm with developmental disorders of the bowel. Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are classified as Bochdalek (back-side), Morgagni (pre-retrosternal) and septal transversum defects. This article discusses Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias in adulthood as they are observed more common in clinical practice.