Symptomatic diaphragmatic hernia after pulmonary radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RF) is a relatively safe and reliable technique for the treatment of pulmonary metastases that has seen rapidly expanding use. Lesions situated near the diaphragm are difficult to treat by RF due to the risk of thermal injury to the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic perforation with progressive development of a diaphragmatic hernia is a rare but serious complication. Treatment is surgical. We present the first case reported in the literature of intestinal obstruction in a left diaphragmatic hernia that developed following RF treatment of a pulmonary metastasis.