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Symptomatic Bochdalek hernia in an octogenarian
Paul Perch1, Ward V Houck, Abe DeAnda
1Department of Surgery, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|May 10, 2002
Summary
An 88-year-old man experienced chest pain and shortness of breath due to a rare Bochdalek hernia. This case represents the oldest documented symptomatic presentation of this diaphragmatic defect.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Reports
- Thoracic Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Bochdalek hernias are congenital posterolateral defects in the diaphragm.
- They can present in infancy or adulthood with varying symptoms.
- Symptomatic adult Bochdalek hernias are uncommon, often diagnosed late.
Observation:
- An 88-year-old male presented with acute chest pain and dyspnea.
- Initial chest radiography indicated a possible diaphragmatic rupture.
- Surgical exploration revealed a left-sided Bochdalek defect.
Findings:
- Herniation of the stomach and small bowel into the left pleural cavity was confirmed.
- The diaphragmatic defect was successfully repaired surgically.
- The patient recovered and was discharged to a skilled nursing facility.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for late-onset symptomatic Bochdalek hernias.
- It represents the oldest reported patient with a symptomatic Bochdalek hernia.
- The successful surgical repair in an elderly patient underscores the feasibility of intervention.