What does the congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair procedure involve?
The procedure involves initial stabilization of the newborn in a neonatal intensive care unit, often with respiratory support, followed by delayed surgical repair. Surgery is performed either through an open incision or using a minimally invasive thoracoscopic approach to reposition the abdominal organs and close the diaphragmatic defect. The delayed approach allows for physiological optimization before surgery, which can improve outcomes.