Diaphragmatic hernias are protrusions of abdominal contents into the chest. These can be either congenital or acquired.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernias result from incomplete fusion of the embryological sources of the diaphragm. This congenital diaphragmatic herniation is called Bochdalek's Hernia.

Acquired diaphragmatic hernias may occur in middle-aged persons with weak musculature around the esophageal opening; in this case, there is a sliding esophageal hernia or paraesophageal hernias