A tube is placed in the chest to allow air, blood, and fluid to drain so the lung can reexpand. The lung tissue on the affected side is compressed, fails to grow normally, and is unable to expand after birth. As the child begins to breathe, cry, and swallow, air enters the intestines that are protruding into the chest. The increasing size of the intestines puts pressure on the other side of the chest, lung, and heart and can quickly cause a life-threatening situation. The outcome depends on the lung development on the affected side.
Most babies require ventilator support after surgery.
Generally the prognosis is very good for infants with adequate lung tissue. Babies may require several weeks of hospitalization after surgery depending on the degree of ventilator support. Feeding is begun after the first bowel movement is passed. Feeding is usually done through a tube into the stomach or small intestines until the breathing tube is removed. Insurance coverage for surgery expenses depends on many factors and should be explored for each individual instance.