In the context of diaphragmatic hernia, decompression of the stomach is important immediately after birth to reduce risk of:

• A. Gastric distension and pulmonary compression
• B. Pulmonary edema
• C. Jaundice
• D. Renal perfusion mismatch

Answer: (A)

In diaphragmatic hernia, abdominal organs herniate into the chest, crowding the developing lungs. After birth, the stomach can rapidly distend with air, which further compresses the already underdeveloped lungs and worsens ventilation. Decompressing the stomach with an orogastric tube removes this added intrathoracic pressure, frees space in the chest, allows better lung expansion, and improves oxygenation. The aim is to prevent gastric distension and the resulting pulmonary compression. Pulmonary edema, jaundice, or renal perfusion mismatches are not the immediate issues addressed by early stomach decompression in this scenario.