Abstract
Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias are rare and challenging to diagnose. Following trauma, diagnosis may occur immediately or in a delayed fashion. It is believed that left traumatic diaphragmatic hernias are more common as a result of the protective right-sided anatomic lie of the liver. If unrecognized, traumatic diaphragmatic injuries are subject to enlarge over time as a result of the normal pressure changes observed between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Additionally, abrupt changes to the pressure gradients, such as those which occur with positive pressure ventilation or surgical manipulation of the abdominal wall, can act as a nidus for making an asymptomatic hernia symptomatic. We report our experience with a delayed traumatic right-sided diaphragmatic hernia presenting with large bowel incarceration two months after abdominoplasty. In our review of the literature, we were unable to find any reports of delayed presentation of a traumatic right-sided diaphragmatic hernia occurring acutely following abdominoplasty.
Highlights
Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias are rare and challenging to diagnose
We report our experience with a delayed traumatic rightsided diaphragmatic hernia presenting with large bowel incarceration about two months after abdominoplasty
Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias occur from injury to the musculotendinous membrane and are believed to predominantly occur on the left as a result of the anatomically protective location of the liver
Summary
Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias are rare and challenging to diagnose. Diagnosis may occur immediately or in a delayed fashion. Delayed diagnosis is not surprising as diaphragmatic defects remain asymptomatic until there is herniation of abdominal contents into the chest. Left traumatic diaphragmatic hernias appear to be more common as compared to the right [3]. This tendency is believed to occur as a result of the protective right-sided anatomic lie of the liver which provides coverage and reduces forceful impact to the right diaphragmatic leaf. We report our experience with a delayed traumatic rightsided diaphragmatic hernia presenting with large bowel incarceration about two months after abdominoplasty
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
