IN-UTERO REPAIR OF DIAPHRAGMATIC-HERNIA

This report describes the first in utero repair of diaphragmatic herni a in Australia. The patient was a 32 year old woman with major inferti lity problems who was diagnosed at 15 weeks gestation as having an inf ant with diaphragmatic hernia. After extensive consideration and couns elling the parents requested in utero repair. This was performed at 28 weeks gestation and was technically successful, but the infant was fo und to be dead after uterine closure. The mother has subsequently been delivered of normal twins at term by Caesarean section.In utero repai r of diaphragmatic hernia requires a high degree of team work, is tech nically demanding and has major ethical implications. It should be res tricted to nationally designated units.