[Morgagni hernia. A rare form of diaphragmatic hernia]

The Morgagni hernia is the rarest form of diaphragmatic hernias. Knowledge has been accumulated over time of combinations with other congenital malformations, familial occurrence, and traumatic genesis. Morgagni hernia has been more often recordable from women, along with rising age and usually located on the right hand side. Embryonic disorder of diaphragmatic differentiation is believed to be the major aetiological factor. Vitamin deficit as well as some chemical substances, primarily active in the foetal period, have become known as additional factors of predisposition. Intensive diagnosis to rule out malignancy is absolutely essential because of the variability of symptoms of this type of hernia. Colon fragments and large omentum were found to be most often contained in the hernial sac. Contrast medium X-ray checks of the gastrointestinal tract and pneumoperitoneum are preferential methods of examination. Exploratory laparotomy is generally considered the optional therapeutic approach because of possible saving of liver veins, safe removal of the hernial sac, and the possibility of abdominal exploration. Preoperative wide-range sterile covering of the patient's body around the site of surgery is recommended to allow for possible thoractomy, as may be required.