The split abdominal wall muscle flap repair for large congenital diaphragmatic hernias on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Background: Numerous techniques exist for repairing large congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDHs) including prosthetic patches, tissue-engineered grafts, and various muscle flaps. A split abdominal wall muscle flap is a simple, durable way to repair a large diaphragmatic hernia. This technique has not gained widespread use, and some have suggested that it would be inappropriate in the setting of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) because of bleeding risk. We present our series of diaphragmatic hernias with a focus on those repaired with the split abdominal wall technique while on ECMO. Methods: A retrospective, single-institution chart review was performed on all patients who underwent surgical repair for CDH over 6 years beginning in August 2000. Results: Seventy-five patients underwent repair. Sixteen were performed with patients on ECMO. Of these, 4 were closed primarily, 7 used a prosthetic patch, and 5 used a split abdominal wall muscle flap. Two patients in the prosthetic group developed a recurrent hernia, and 2 required reoperation for bleeding while on ECMO. No reoperations for bleeding were required in the abdominal muscle flap group. Conclusions: The split abdominal wall muscle flap can be safely performed on anticoagulated patients. We believe it is a practical option for repairing large CDHs.