Non-left sided diaphragmatic rupture due to blunt trauma

An analysis of the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features of non-left sided diaphragmatic rupture due to blunt trauma to the torso was performed in ten patients. All patients had multiple systems involved. False-positive peritoneal lavage occurred in three patients (37.5 per cent). The correct diagnosis was made only once preoperatively; diaphragmatic rupture usually being an incidental finding at celiotomy or thoracotomy. Mortality is high and is a manifestation of associated injuries.