Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

This code represents a birth defect where there is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to protrude into the chest cavity. This condition can impair lung development and function, leading to respiratory distress in newborns. It is a structural malformation present at birth.

Use this code for documented cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, typically identified prenatally or shortly after birth. This diagnosis is supported by imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, X-ray) confirming the presence of abdominal organs in the thoracic cavity due to a diaphragmatic defect.

• Differentiate from acquired diaphragmatic hernias, which are coded differently.
• Remember the Excludes1 note; do not code this with congenital hiatus hernia (Q40.1).
• Consider additional codes for associated anomalies or complications, such as pulmonary hypoplasia.