[Experimental intrauterine surgery: the creation of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a sheep fetus].

Up to 50% of the neonates operated during the first hours of life for a congenital diaphragmatic hernia die. The presence of a severe lung hypoplasia, which is at the origin of hypoxia, acidosis, increased pulmonary vascular resistance and right to left shunt, explains the poor clinical results, in spite of surgical success and intensive therapy. A modern approach to the problem includes treatment with pulmonary vasodilator drugs, whose effects are still discussed. Perhaps the prenatal recognition of the defect could improve prognosis. Lots of experience are needed to know more on the subject. This could be obtained with an experimental approach on newborn animals with a CDH. The article relates authors experience in the creation of a CDH in a foetus of sheep, by means of a surgical intervention during its intrauterine life.