Hernia

Diaphragmatic hernias can be congenital, or acquired through trauma (for example, a knifing). Congenital An illustration of an epigastric (abdominal) hernia in an adult male. The torso is shown with its skin removed. Epigastric hernia is caused commonly by a congenital weakness in muscles of the central upper abdomen; the intestine bulges out through the muscle at a point between the navel and breastbone. Illustration by John Bavosi. National Audubon Society Collection/Photo Researchers, Inc. Reproduced by permission. diaphragmatic hernias occur during development before birth, when the tissues making up the diaphragm do not properly close off the area between the abdomen and chest cavities. These abnormal contents, especially the intestine and spleen, push into the chest cavity, applying pressure to the heart, and sometimes preventing adequate development of the lungs. A baby born with such a defect usually experiences extreme respiratory distress, and requires immediate surgery.