Recurrent diaphragmatic hernia 3 years after initial repair for traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: a case report

We report herein a technique for the repair of recurrent diaphragmatic hernia after repair of diaphragmatic rupture. Although chest roentgenography and computed tomography in a patient who presented with postprandial abdominal pain demonstrated a left intrathoracic intestinal shadow, the hernia was disregarded. To repair a diaphragmatic rupture along with intrathoracic adhesions, we performed adjunctive thoracotomy coupled with laparotomy. This report demonstrates the need for consideration of previous injuries, the value of combined thoracotomy and laparotomy, and the utility of repair using nonabsorbable sutures in the management of diaphragmatic hernia.