When a boy has diaphragmatic hernia, what does it mean?

A hole...: ...In the diaphragm, present at birth, with bowel pushing into the chest through it. The major problem is that the lungs cannot develop properly with loops of intestine occupying the space where lungs need to be.

Variable defect: When the diaphram fails to finish forming, a hole is left between the chest & abdomen & bowel can slip into the lung cavity (herniate) before or just after birth(when baby starts to cry & swallow air).If the lung forms well & bowel slips later, there is a better chance of lomg term survival. Without room to form the lung on that side can fail.Rapid recognition & suportiive care is a must.

Surgery: Infants who present with symptoms will need surgery, usually after a stabilization period on a ventilator. This will allow pulmonary hypertension to resolve and the infant will tolerate the surgery better.