Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
10:52
Laparoscopic Repair of Para-Esophageal Hernia Using Absorbable Biosynthetic Mesh
Published on: September 11, 2021
Delayed intestinal obstruction due to posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia.
Pablo Menéndez-Sánchez1, Pedro Villarejo-Campos, David Padilla-Valverde
1Servicio de Cirugía General y de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General de Ciudad Real, Madrid, Spain. pablomensan@hotmail.com
Cirugia Y Cirujanos
|April 5, 2012
Summary
Diaphragmatic rupture, a condition where abdominal organs move into the chest, can be missed in trauma diagnosis. Prompt identification and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial to prevent complications from this diaphragmatic hernia.
Area of Science:
- Trauma diagnosis
- Surgical emergencies
- Abdominal surgery
Background:
- Diaphragmatic rupture is a potentially missed diagnosis in trauma patients.
- Pressure gradients between the thorax and abdomen facilitate herniation of abdominal viscera.
- Delayed presentation of diaphragmatic rupture can lead to cardiorespiratory and abdominal symptoms.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and vomiting.
- Imaging revealed right hemidiaphragm elevation.
- Computed tomography confirmed small bowel and colon herniation into the chest cavity.
Findings:
- The computed tomography scan demonstrated dilated small bowel, indicative of a diaphragmatic hernia.
- Herniation of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity was confirmed.
- The diaphragmatic hernia was associated with bowel obstruction symptoms.
Implications:
- High suspicion for traumatic events is essential for timely diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture.
- Nonspecific symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis and consultation with multiple specialists.
- A multidisciplinary approach is vital to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with diaphragmatic hernias.
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Clinical Manifestations:
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