About Diaphragmatic Hernia
Key Highlights
-
Relieves pressure on the lungs and heart, improving breathing and cardiac function.Corrects the anatomical defect to prevent organ strangulation and other life-threatening complications.Can often be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques for less pain and faster recovery.Restores normal digestive function by returning displaced stomach or intestines to the abdomen.Prevents long-term damage to herniated organs and supports normal growth and development in pediatric patients.
Who is this surgery for?
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (Bochdalek or Morgagni hernia) diagnosed in newborns or infants.
- Acquired hiatal hernia causing severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) unresponsive to medication.
- Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture due to blunt or penetrating injury.
- Symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty eating.
- Strangulation or incarceration of herniated organs, which is a surgical emergency.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation including imaging (X-ray, CT scan, or MRI) to assess the hernia's size and location.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest evaluation to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before surgery as instructed by the surgical team.
- Discussion of medications; some, like blood thinners, may need to be temporarily stopped.
- For elective cases, lifestyle adjustments like smoking cessation to improve healing.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, or infection at the incision site.
- Recurrence of the hernia, especially with large defects.
- Injury to surrounding organs like the lungs, spleen, stomach, or blood vessels during repair.
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lung) or pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent gastroesophageal reflux post-surgery.
- Adverse reaction to the mesh material used for repair, such as infection or erosion.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring breathing, pain management, and ensuring the repair is stable.
- Pain medication and breathing exercises (incentive spirometry) to prevent lung complications.
- A gradual return to a normal diet, often starting with liquids and soft foods.
- Avoidance of heavy lifting (more than 5-10 kg) and strenuous activity for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and assess for any signs of recurrence or complication.
-
Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
-
Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering diaphragmatic hernia in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for diaphragmatic hernia in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform diaphragmatic hernia. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for diaphragmatic hernia compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Diaphragmatic Hernia in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing diaphragmatic hernia.
I was a total wreck before...
I was a total wreck before my appointment. First time seeing a doctor on my own and I was convinced it was something serious. Dr. Ram just listened, didn't rush me, and explained everything in a way that actually calmed me down. The hospital is huge and a bit overwhelming, but he made it feel okay. Left feeling like I could breathe again.
General surgeons for Diaphragmatic Hernia
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform diaphragmatic hernia and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Laparoscopic surgeon
Gem Hospital Perungudi
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road
- 12 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 12 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 2 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Gem Hospital Aminjikarai
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon
- 22 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake
- 14 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospitals Broadway