Morgagni's hernia in infants and children.
OBJECTIVE
To report my experience of Morgagni's hernia in 4 infants and 1 child.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Teaching hospital, Saudi Arabia.


METHODS
4 infants and 1 child with Morgagni's hernias, one of which was recurrent.


METHODS
Repair through an abdominal incision.


METHODS
Presentation, morbidity, and recurrence.


RESULTS
4 of the 5 cases presented with respiratory distress or pulmonary infection, or both; 1 presented with failure to thrive as well. 3 patients had associated anomalies (hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, malrotation of the gut, and left inguinal hernia; Down syndrome; and multiple Mongolian spots and umbilical hernia). The hernia was recognised on chest radiograph in all cases, and confirmed by barium studies in 3. All the hernias were repaired through an abdominal incision. There were no deaths and no early complications, but late complications included a recurrence and incisional hernia in 1 patient and midgut volvulus caused by associated anomalies in another.


CONCLUSIONS
Outcome is usually influenced by associated anomalies and the seriousness of the effects of the hernia. Timely diagnosis and repair can improve outcome.
Latif Al-Arfaj
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Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006548:Hernia, Diaphragmatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome