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Published on: February 5, 2021
Late presentations of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
1Department of Surgery, Shree Birendra Army Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. drbharatbhandari@yahoo.com
Insights
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in adults is rare and often misdiagnosed due to vague symptoms. Prompt surgical treatment is crucial to prevent serious complications like strangulation or perforation.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is uncommon in adults.
- Adult CDH often presents with non-specific gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms.
- Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, distinguishing it from other conditions.
Observation:
- Two adult cases of diaphragmatic hernia were initially managed as pulmonary pathologies.
- Patients presented with symptoms mimicking other diseases, delaying diagnosis.
Findings:
- The study highlights the diagnostic challenges of adult CDH.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications if not promptly treated.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the need for increased clinical awareness of adult CDH.
- Underscores the importance of timely surgical intervention for adult diaphragmatic hernias.
- Suggests reviewing diagnostic protocols for patients with persistent gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms.
Abstract:
The occurrence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in adults is rare and misleading even to experienced clinicians. In contrast to neonatal diaphragmatic hernias, most of the adult patients present with vague gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms mimicking other diseases. Hence high index of suspicion is required. When a diagnosis is established, it must be promptly treated surgically in order to avoid complications such as strangulation or bowel perforation. We present two cases of diaphragmatic hernia which were being managed as pulmonary pathologies.
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