Rupture of right hemidiaphragm after blunt abdominal trauma (report of six cases)

Six cases of ruptured right dome of the diaphragm were seen in a district hospital, and a large metropolitan teaching hospital in the last six years. Diaphragmatic rupture on the right side is rare, but is seen more frequently after blunt abdominal trauma, due to increasing numbers of automobile accidents. Emphasis has been placed on the need for a greater awareness of this condition, which will help in making an early diagnosis. A plea is made for careful initial examination, and simple aids to diagnosis are described. The general plan of management is outlined and a few modifications in operative technique have been suggested.