Congenital diaphragmatic hernia treated by perinatal stabilization.

The delay of surgery in conjunction with high-frequency oscillation ventilation combined with preoperative stabilization is a standard treatment for congenital diaphragmatic hernia neonates in the high-risk group. A new protocol of perinatal stabilization with this preoperative stabilization has been developed at the University of Tokyo Hospital. The most important components of this method of perinatal stabilization are cesarean section and the injection of morphine and pancuronium through the umbilical vein prior to ligation of the umbilical cord. In order to benefit from this treatment, congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients should be diagnosed antenatally by ultrasonography and be delivered by cesarean section. This protocol of perinatal stabilization appears effective in congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients.