Bochdalek hernia in the adult: demographics, presentation, and surgical management

Bochdalek hernias are a very rare form of diaphragmatic hernias. There are no robust studies that reveal the true natural history of this disease process. The aim of this study was to summarize clinically relevant data for the purpose of assisting surgeons with the work-up, diagnosis, and treatment of adult patients with Bochdalek hernia.

A literature search was performed using PubMed, Google scholar, EMBASE and the following keywords: Bochdalek hernia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and posterolateral hernia. All case reports and series after 1955 that pertained to adults were included in the review. The following data points were queried: age, sex, presentation, studies utilized during work-up, laterality, surgical approach, hernia sac management, specific minimally invasive surgical techniques, and follow-up.

A total of 124 articles comprising 173 patients met the inclusion criteria. Based on the data provided, several conclusions regarding this disease process can be made. Most patients present with symptoms related to their hernia (86%). Pain is the most common complaint (69%). While laparotomy is the most widely used surgical approach (38%), minimally invasive surgical techniques have gained popularity since their first report in 1995. Laparoscopic repair can be performed with a low complication rate (7%) and short hospital stay (4 days).

Using modern surgical techniques to include laparoscopy, repair can be performed safely, with a short hospital stay, and with minimal morbidity or mortality.