Letter to Referrer

Referred for: Evaluation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia Diagnosis: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia Plan: Surgical repair of the diaphragmatic hernia, followed by post-operative care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Dear Dr. Thomas Kelly, Thank you for referring baby John Doe to our clinic for evaluation. Baby John presents with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, which was identified on prenatal ultrasound. On physical examination, baby John exhibits signs consistent with the diagnosis, including respiratory distress and a scaphoid abdomen. Breath sounds are diminished on the left side. Surgical intervention is necessary to correct the diaphragmatic hernia. The benefits of this procedure include improved respiratory function and overall prognosis. Potential future implications include the need for long-term follow-up to monitor lung development and function. The operation will involve a thoracoscopic approach under general anesthesia. Post-operative care will be critical, and baby John will require monitoring in the NICU. For additional information on congenital diaphragmatic hernia and its management, please refer to the enclosed pamphlet. Thank you again for your referral. We will keep you updated on baby John's progress and look forward to collaborating on his care. Sincerely, Dr. Jane Smith, Pediatric Surgeon