What is "diaphragmatic hernia"

n. hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm [syn: hiatus hernia, hiatal hernia]

Diaphragmatic hernia is a defect or hole in the diaphragm that allows the abdominal contents to move into the chest cavity. Treatment is usually surgical.

The following types of diaphragmatic hernia exist:

• Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
  • Morgagni's hernia
  • Bochdalek hernia
• Hiatal hernia
• Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia
• Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia