Laparoscopic Repair Following a Delayed Presentation of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Case Report

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition that occurs after trauma, and some patients have a delayed presentation. A laparoscopic approach is rarely used to repair traumatic diaphragmatic hernias. We encountered a case of asymptomatic diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed after a comprehensive medical examination. A 71-year-old woman was diagnosed with a delayed presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with prolapse of the greater omentum owing to a traffic injury 20 years ago. Surgery was performed laparoscopically using three ports, and intraoperative respiratory management was performed using a double-lumen tube. The 2.5-cm-diameter hernial orifice was sutured under contralateral one-lung ventilation after the greater omentum was returned to the abdominal cavity. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged on the third day. Intraoperative strategies such as respiratory management and the laparoscopic approach play a crucial role in ensuring favorable postoperative outcomes. The last follow-up was at six months post-operation, and the patient was doing well.