[Post-traumatic diaphragmatic rupture. Report of 20 cases]

From 1977 to 1987, 20 patients (18 men and 2 women) with left post-traumatic diaphragmatic rupture, were managed by the General Surgery Service of the Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico de Occidente, IMSS; 13 as urgencies (65%) and 7 as elective procedures (35%). Hernia was due to closed trauma in 80% of the cases. Predominant symptoms were chest pain (85%) and dyspnea (50%). The Stomach was the herniated viscus in 16 instances. CXR showed suggestive data in 95% of the cases. Primary closure was achieved in 95% of the cases, in 8 patients thoraco-abdominal aproach was necessary. There were 50% morbidity (35% athelectasis, 30% wound sepsis) and 10% mortality rates.