Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Laparoscopic Repair of Para-Esophageal Hernia Using Absorbable Biosynthetic Mesh
10:52

Laparoscopic Repair of Para-Esophageal Hernia Using Absorbable Biosynthetic Mesh

Published on: September 11, 2021

Diaphragmatic defect with peritoneopericardial communication

Andrew S Olearchyk1

  • 1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, New Jersey 08103, USA. asolearchyk@yahoo.com

Texas Heart Institute Journal
|December 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This case study details the successful surgical repair of a rare congenital diaphragmatic defect with omental herniation, alongside critical aortic valve stenosis and coronary artery disease in an elderly patient.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Congenital Diaphragmatic Abnormalities
  • Advanced Cardiac Procedures

Background:

  • Congenital defects of the diaphragm, particularly peritoneopericardial communication, are rare and can present with complex comorbidities.
  • Simultaneous management of diaphragmatic defects, severe aortic stenosis, and coronary artery disease poses significant surgical challenges.

Observation:

  • An 81-year-old male presented with a congenital defect of the central tendon of the diaphragm, leading to omental herniation into the pericardial sac.
  • The patient also had a critically stenosed congenital bicuspid aortic valve and severe coronary artery disease.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent a multi-procedural surgery including omental reduction, coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, and diaphragmatic defect repair.
  • Post-operative follow-up at three years showed a well-functioning aortic valve and no recurrence of omental herniation.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the feasibility and positive outcomes of complex, multi-stage surgical interventions in elderly patients with multiple congenital and acquired cardiovascular conditions.
  • Successful management underscores the importance of addressing all coexisting pathologies for long-term patient well-being.

More Related Videos

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure07:41

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Atrial Communications before Transcatheter Closure

Published on: February 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology01:10

Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology

Atelectasis develops when alveoli lose their air and collapse inward. Because lung tissue is naturally elastic, these air sacs shrink rather than remaining open. Collapsed alveoli are no longer ventilated, reducing their role in gas exchange. Blood flow may continue in these regions, creating a ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Clinical findings include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, reduced chest expansion, and decreased tactile fremitus as sound transmission through collapsed...
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.