We studied 28 cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) who were admitted to MOFID children hospital from April 1981 up to December 1992. 17 of our patients were male and 11 were female. Our study was focused on Bochdalek hernia and other types of diaphragmatic hernia were excluded.

The mortality and morbidity were higher among younger patients. Clinical presentation in neonates was cyanosis and respiratory distress, but in older patients non specific symptoms such as cough, recurrent pneumonia, FUO and FTT were predominant.

Post operative complications most commonly noted was sepsis and pneumothorax. Small intestine, spleen and transverse colon were the most common organs herniated. 93% were left sided and 7% right sided.

The mean body weight of patients who survived was 3250g, and the mean body weight patients who died after operation was 2750g. 48% of patients were admitted in the first 48h of their life. The mortality rate was 26% and was exclusively seen in newborn. Male / female ratio was 61/39.

C.X ray was the most useful paraclinic study in our patients, and we recommend to our colleagues to order C.X ray when they are confronted with an unexplained  respiratory distress and cyanosis.