Video-assisted repair of a ruptured right hemidiaphragm

Video-assisted thoracic surgery is emerging as a viable approach to increasingly complex intrathoracic therapeutic procedures. We present a case of delayed diagnosis of a ruptured right diaphragm caused by a closed trauma in a young woman. The diaphragm was repaired successfully using a video-assisted procedure. Limited postoperative chest pain and muscular impairment allowed early physical therapy that resulted in an excellent outcome. Video-assisted thoracic surgery is suggested as a new treatment option for traumatic diaphragmatic disorders.