Strangulated Intrapericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia after Hybrid Maze Procedure

Convergent hybrid maze procedure is very safe and effective surgical modality for the treatment of refractory atrial fibrillation. It carries very little risk of complications and an intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia is amongst the rarest of complications. Only three cases of intrapericardial hernia have been reported in literature till date. This case report describes a middle aged gentleman admitted in emergency department with life-threatening condition of small bowel obstruction secondary to strangulated intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia. He was resuscitated in Surgical Assessment Unit and underwent emergency laparotomy involving bowel resection and repair of diaphragmatic hernia.