Which side is the congenital diaphragmatic hernia usually found on?

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is most commonly found on the left side. This occurs due to the developmental anatomy of the diaphragm, where the left hemidiaphragm develops later than the right, making it more susceptible to defects. Specifically, the left-sided hernias are associated with a higher prevalence of associated anomalies and complications compared to right-sided hernias.

When reviewing cases of CDH, it is noted that the herniation typically involves abdominal contents like the stomach and intestines moving into the thoracic cavity, which can lead to pulmonary hypoplasia due to compromised lung development. Understanding the commonality of the left-sided incidence is crucial for clinicians in both diagnosis and management of this condition, as it guides both imaging studies and preoperative planning.

While right-sided hernias can occur, they are less common, which is why the designation of left-sided hernias being the most typical variant is an important part of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.