Laparoscopy is useful in the diagnosis and management of foramen of Morgagni hernia in children

Foramen of Morgagni hernia is a rare form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. We report the use of laparoscopy to diagnose and manage suspected foramen of Morgagni hernias in children. Cardiophrenic masses were seen on chest radiography in two asymptomatic children aged 1 and 3 years. Further radiologic workup was nondiagnostic. Laparoscopy was performed in both children, and the foramen of Morgagni hernias were immediately identified. Laparoscopic repair was performed on one of the children. Both children had uneventful postoperative courses, were discharged home early, and had no evidence of recurrence at the 6-month follow-up examination. Laparoscopy is a safe and effective technique to diagnose and potentially repair foramen of Morgagni hernias. We recommend the use of this modality as the primary diagnostic evaluation in infants and children with suspected foramen of Morgagni hernias.