Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
07:27

Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome

Published on: January 23, 2026

578

Late-presenting left Bochdalek hernia with intrathoracic transverse colon causing progressive exertional dyspnea: a

Mohammad Alaa Aldakak1, Ahmad Bishr Nasra2, Yamama Abo Dakka2

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. alaa.dkak41@gmail.com.

Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
|April 24, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Adult Bochdalek hernia can present with respiratory issues, not just gastrointestinal ones. Transthoracic repair is effective for incarcerated hernias with adhesions, ensuring patient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Bochdalek hernia is a congenital diaphragmatic defect often diagnosed in infancy.
  • Adult presentation is less common, often asymptomatic or with vague symptoms.
  • Diagnosis in adults typically requires advanced imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of adult Bochdalek hernia presenting with respiratory symptoms.
  • To discuss the surgical management challenges and approach selection.

Main Methods:

  • A 65-year-old woman with dyspnea and fatigue underwent imaging.
  • Contrast-enhanced CT confirmed a large left Bochdalek hernia.
  • Surgical repair was initially planned laparoscopically but converted to thoracotomy due to incarceration and adhesions.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with exertional dyspnea and fatigue, mimicking pulmonary disease.
  • CT revealed a large left posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia with atelectasis.
  • Transthoracic repair was successfully performed, involving sac excision and diaphragmatic repair.

Conclusions:

  • Adult Bochdalek hernia can manifest primarily with respiratory symptoms.
  • Surgical approach should be tailored to hernia size, incarceration, and adhesions.
  • Transthoracic repair offers a safe option for complex cases.
Abstract

Keywords:
Adult presentationBochdalek herniaCase reportCongenital diaphragmatic herniaThoracotomy

More Related Videos

Intraoperative Strategy under Complex Vascular Adhesion for Laparoscopic Radical Resection of Bismuth-Corlette Type IIIb Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma05:22

Intraoperative Strategy under Complex Vascular Adhesion for Laparoscopic Radical Resection of Bismuth-Corlette Type IIIb Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma

Published on: February 13, 2026

251
Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer11:17

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: February 27, 2026

640

Related Concept Videos

Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:28

Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management01:21

Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management

Individuals with Barrett's esophagus are often asymptomatic, but they may experience symptoms commonly associated with GERD, such as heartburn and acid regurgitation. Additional symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool (which may appear black, tarry, or bloody), and episodes of vomiting.
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
Hiatal Hernia01:25

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia is the abnormal protrusion of the stomach or other abdominal organs through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.Normally, the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) lies below the diaphragm and is supported by the phrenoesophageal membrane, the diaphragmatic crura, and connective tissues. Weakening of these structures—due to aging, congenital defects like a short esophagus, or increased intra-abdominal pressure from coughing, obesity, pregnancy, or heavy...
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology01:07

Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology

Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...