Patch repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is not at risk of poor outcomes

Purpose: Recurrence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) was retrospectively evaluated after correction with or without a patch in an institution where tension-free repair is advocated. Methods: Demographics and outcomes of patients with a postero-lateral CDH repaired (2000–2016) were analyzed (univariate tests and binary logistic regression adjusting for time since start of study, gender, defect side, liver herniation, patch, surgical approach, absence of postero-lateral rim and length of follow-up). Results: Of 203 patients, 107 received a patch (P), and 96 were not patched (NP). Groups were not different for gestational age birthweight, gender, defect side and minimally invasive approach rate. Preoperative ECMO incidence (P:29.9% vs. NP:2.1%, p < 0.01), liver herniation (P:57.0% vs. NP:22.9%, p < 0.01) and absence of a postero-lateral rim (P:61.7% vs. NP:8.3%, p < 0.01) were higher in the P group. The mortality rate was 10.8% (P:15.0% vs. NP:6.2%, p = 0.07). Recurrence was not different (P:9.3% vs. NP:4.2%, p = 0.15). Multivariate analysis showed that recurrence was higher after thoracoscopy compared to open (OR = 12.2 [2.2–68], p < 0.01); neither the use of patch (OR = 2.3, [0.5–10.4], p = 0.28) nor any other factors were associated with recurrence. Conclusion: In this single centre series where tension-free repair was advocated, patch repair of CDH was not associated with higher recurrence, though access route was. Type of Study: Cohort Study. Level of Evidence: Level III.