Laparoscopic Repair of a Right-Sided Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Technical Report

Occult diaphragmatic hernias after trauma are relatively rare and may present months to years after the traumatic event. Clinical presentations range from asymptomatic incidental findings on imaging to life-threatening incarceration of abdominal visceral organs. This study presents a case of a patient with a symptomatic diaphragmatic hernia secondary to a trauma >30 years prior. A literature review of this defect was performed examining the pathophysiology, presentation, and operative considerations. A 58-year-old male with a history of multiple traumatic motor vehicle accidents 30 years prior presented with abdominal pain and obstructive symptoms. Axial imaging demonstrated a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia defect containing small intestine, colon, and omentum. He ultimately underwent a transabdominal laparoscopic repair of the defect with mesh buttressing. Postoperative the patient recovered well and was discharged without complications. Limited data outside of case reports exist for surgical management of occult diaphragmatic hernias secondary to trauma. Reported management options include open and minimally invasive thoracic as well as open and minimally invasive abdominal approaches; each with advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the defect size, both primary repair and repair with mesh reinforcement are appropriate options. More data comparing the approach and repair technique are needed to determine the best technique.