Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair in Adult Patients: A Retrospective Institutional Experience

Objectives Diaphragmatic hernias (DHs) in adults are an uncommon condition in which general characteristics and treatment strategies are poorly described. The objective of this study was to describe our institutional experience in the surgical repair of DH in adult patients. Methods A cross-sectional review was conducted on adult patients with DH who were diagnosed and surgically treated between 2012 and 2023 at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias in Mexico City. Results A total of 24 patients were included in this study, with a predominance of females (65.2%). The mean age for our study was 50 years (±4). Bochdalek hernias were the most commonly encountered (50%), followed by Morgagni hernias (25%), traumatic hernias (17%), and type IV hiatal hernias (8%). Admission (programmed vs. emergency) between surgical techniques was statistically different (p= 0.032), in addition to the development of complications between surgical techniques (p= 0.037). The mean time patients were hospitalized was 20 days (±2), with no mortality nor readmission after discharge. Conclusion Considering the outcomes of our study, both open thoracic and abdominal approaches seem feasible for treating DH in adults.