DIAPHRAGMATIC hernia is not an uncommon lesion in the newborn, and since it can be satisfactorily and permanently cured by proper surgical procedures, its early recognition bears reemphasis. Although an extensive literature is available on the general subject of diaphragmatic hernia, too little attention has been given to the condition during the first few days or weeks of life. Sudden deaths at birth or shortly after are usually attributed to a congenital cardiac lesion or to an enlarged thymus; it would be well if congenital diaphragmatic hernia would be considered and the diagnosis ruled out in such instances. Grulee1 has stressed the fact that it should be suspected when a diagnosis of "supposed dextrocardia" is made.
Little or no mention has been made of the anatomic and surgical importance of the left triangular ligament of the liver as it pertains to exposure and surgical repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.