Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
05:07
Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia resulting in intestinal obstruction
Gürkan Yetkin1, Mehmet Uludag, Bülent Citgez
1Sisli Etfal Training and Education Hospital, General Surgery, etfal sokak no. 1 Sisli Istanbul, Istanbul, 34360, Turkey.
BMJ Case Reports
|June 21, 2011
Summary
Traumatic diaphragm ruptures are often missed and can lead to fatal gastrointestinal herniation. Delayed diagnosis of this overlooked thoracoabdominal injury can cause serious complications, highlighting the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Abdominal Surgery
Background:
- Traumatic diaphragm ruptures are frequently overlooked injuries.
- Undiagnosed ruptures can lead to severe gastrointestinal herniation and mortality.
- These injuries result from blunt or penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a delayed diagnosis of traumatic diaphragm rupture.
- To highlight the potential for serious complications, such as intestinal obstruction, from missed diaphragmatic injuries.
- To emphasize the importance of considering diaphragmatic injury in patients with thoracoabdominal trauma.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient with a history of penetrating abdominal injury.
- Review of the patient's presentation with signs of intestinal obstruction.
- Analysis of the delayed diagnosis of traumatic diaphragm rupture.
Main Results:
- A patient presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction 3 years after an undiagnosed abdominal penetrating injury.
- The underlying cause was a traumatic rupture of the diaphragm, missed during the acute injury phase.
- The delayed diagnosis led to significant gastrointestinal complications.
Conclusions:
- Traumatic diaphragm ruptures are a critical diagnosis that can be easily missed.
- Delayed diagnosis can result in life-threatening complications, including bowel obstruction.
- Vigilance and thorough evaluation are essential for patients with thoracoabdominal injuries.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:29Intestinal Obstruction I: Introduction
Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the small or large intestine that disrupts the normal flow of intestinal contents through the lumen. This interruption impairs digestion, absorption, and fluid balance, and may lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.Mechanical ObstructionMechanical obstruction occurs when a physical blockage prevents intestinal contents from passing, arising from within the lumen or the bowel wall, or from external compression.Adhesions,...
01:25Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...
01:22Esophageal 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.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
01:28Esophageal 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:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:27Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...