Experience with the use of Reverdin needle in neonatal thoracoscopic congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair

Background: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is the total or partial absence of the diaphragm, which can be unilateral or bilateral. Becmeur et al. in 2001 mentioned the thoracoscopic management approach for the first time. Methods: The medical record of neonatal CDH thoracoscopic management (using the Reverdin Needle) from January to May 2021 at Dr. Roberto Gilberto Elizalde Children's Hospital located in Guayaquil, Ecuador was retrieved. Various parameters and characteristics were studied. Results: Four patients were included in this study. M:F ratio was 3:1 with all having a type B left sided defect. The average duration of surgery was 157.5 minutes and 2 of them developed pulmonary hypertension in post-op period. All had good outcomes. Conclusion: We propose that the possibility of a successful thoracoscopic surgery in congenital diaphragmatic hernia is increased with use of the Reverdin needle.