Management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in sub-Saharan Africa: experience in the Albert Royer National Children's Hospital Center, Senegal

Introduction: congenital diaphragmatic hernia has been rarely reported in Africa. It can manifests early or kite. Prognosis mainly depends on associated malformations. The purpose of this study is to report our experience in the Albert Royer National Children's Hospital, Dakar, Senegal. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study of patients treated for congenital diaphragmatic hernia between January 2010 and December 2019. Results: twelve patients were enrolled, with an average age of 8.9 months. Bochdalek hernias were detected in 10 patients. The most common symptoms were respiratory symptoms (83.3%), followed by digestive symptoms (41.6%). Thoraco-abdominal X-ray was used to make a diagnosis in all patients. Three patients underwent preoperative stabilization. All patients underwent Iaparotomy. Hernia sac was found in 10 patients, and 50% of patients had a defect measuring between 5 and 10 cm. The postoperative course was simple in 10 patients; a polymalformed patient died. Conclusion: congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a reality in our environment; it most often manifests beyond the neonatal period. Prognosis is generally good in our context.