Diaphragmatic hernia as a spontaneous sequela of a surgically-treated left infiltrating renal tumor: a case report

A diaphragmatic hernia is a protrusion of abdominal structures within the thoracic cavity through a defect in the diaphragm, which can be either congenital or acquired. Diaphragmatic rupture, as a sequela following abdominal surgery, is rarely documented. Approximately 80% of the reported cases, the injury occurred on the left side. We discuss a case of a 37 year-old male who underwent a left nephrectomy with ipsilateral adrenalectomy and diaphragmatic resection, by direct reconstruction that developed the sequela of a diaphragmatic hernia. We chose a surgical transthoracic approach for herniation repair.