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Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition in which there is a larger or smaller defect on one side of the diaphragm (the muscle between the abdominal cavity and the chest), through which organs of the abdominal cavity (stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, etc.) can be displaced into the chest. The displaced organs can displace structures in the chest, such as the lungs or blood vessels.
Patients can either show only a few symptoms or suffer from severe respiratory distress and cardiac stress, so that immediate intensive medical care may be necessary after birth.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is typically diagnosed prenatally (before birth). The expectant mother should then already be advised and cared for by a team of experts consisting of gynaecologists, neonatologists and paediatric surgeons.
After birth, the newborns receive intensive medical care. Some need to be intubated and require cardiovascular support. This is typically followed by surgical treatment in the first few weeks of life, whereby the abdominal organs that have been displaced into the chest are moved back into the abdominal cavity and the defect in the diaphragm is closed. There are various surgical methods depending on the size of the defect, the severity of the symptoms and the accompanying malformations. The UKBB offers all surgical methods individually adapted to the clinical picture of your child. These range from minimally invasive keyhole surgery through the chest to opening the abdominal cavity and closing the diaphragmatic defect using autologous tissue or a so-called Goretex patch.
Depending on the severity of the malformation, patients are hospitalised for weeks to months and are cared for by our interdisciplinary team.
The prognosis varies greatly and depends on the severity of the disease and possible concomitant malformations. While certain degrees of severity are incompatible with life, many patients have very few to no symptoms (e.g. acid regurgitation) in the future.
058 387 78 82 (Costs are settled via the health insurance company)
In the event of an emergency abroad, call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find the contact details on your health insurance card.
145 (Poison and Information Centre)
University Children's Hospital of both
Basel, Spitalstrasse 33
4056 Basel | CH
Phone +41 61 704 12 12
© UKBB, 2025
The Medgate Kids Line provides quick and uncomplicated medical advice if your child is unwell. The medical team of our partner Medgate is available to you by telephone around the clock.
For emergencies abroad: Call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find this number on your health insurance card.
More information: On the Page of the emergency ward you will find everything you need to know about behaviour in emergencies, typical childhood illnesses and waiting times.
144 Outpatient clinic
145 Tox Info Suisse (Poisonings)
117 Police
118 Fire brigade
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