What is bochdalek?

Bochdalek is a type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which means that it is a birth defect in which a hole or opening in the diaphragm allows the contents of the abdomen to move up into the chest cavity. Bochdalek hernias specifically occur in the posterolateral aspect of the diaphragm, which is the area near the spine.

This condition can cause breathing difficulties and can be life-threatening, depending on the severity of the hernia. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the diaphragm and close the hole.

Bochdalek hernias are named after the Czech anatomist, Vincent Alexander Bochdalek, who first described the condition in 1848. It is a relatively rare condition, occurring in approximately 1 in every 2,000 births. It affects both males and females equally, and there is no known way to prevent it.