Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

A congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a defect in the formation of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. The diaphragm helps in breathing, so it is critical to the respiratory system. In a diaphragmatic hernia, the diaphragm does not completely form, leaving a gap between the chest and the abdominal cavities.