One-year outcomes of congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair: Factors associated with recurrence and complications.

PURPOSE: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a congenital anomaly associated with lifelong multisystem morbidity. This study sought to identify factors contributing to hospital readmission after CDH repair.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2014 was used to identify patients with CDH who underwent surgical repair. Primary outcomes included all cause readmission at 30-days and 1 year and readmission for hernia recurrence. Patient and hospital factors were compared using chi-squared analysis.

RESULTS

Five hundred eleven patients were identified with neonatal CDH. All repairs were performed at teaching hospitals via laparotomy in 59% (n = 303), thoracotomy in 36% (n = 183), and minimally invasive (MIS) repair in 5% (n = 25). The readmission rate within 30-days was 32% (n = 163), and 97% (n = 495) within 1 year. The most common conditions surrounding readmission were for gastroesophageal reflux (20%), CDH recurrence (17%), and surgery for gastrostomy tube and/or fundoplication (16%). Recurrence was significantly higher after MIS repair (48%) compared to those with open repair via either approach (16%), p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to evaluate nationwide readmissions in newborns with CDH. Readmission is commonly due to CDH recurrence and reflux-associated complications. The recurrence rate is higher than previously reported and is more common after MIS and repair via thoracotomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III treatment study.