Thoracoscopic Repair of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia After Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Feasibility and Outcomes

Abstract

Thoracoscopic CDH repair is both safe and feasible after ECMO with no increase in operative morbidity or mortality. Insufflation pressures of 3-7 mmHg are well tolerated without undue increase in end-tidal CO_2. When compared to conversion cases, thoracoscopic repair is associated with significantly decreased time to extubation with no difference in recurrence.