Delayed presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia complicated by bowel obstruction and perforation: a case report

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2023 Jul 24;85(9):4608-4612. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001091. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a rare but life-threatening condition resulting from a traumatic injury to the diaphragm. We present a case of a 48-year-old man with a history of fall injury and a delayed presentation of a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia with subsequent bowel obstruction and perforation in a patient with a history of trauma and tuberculosis. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with manual reduction of the herniated bowel, primary repair of the diaphragmatic defect, and the creation of a double-barrel ileostomy. This case highlights the importance of considering traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in patients with a history of trauma presenting with abdominal symptoms. Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial in preventing serious complications associated with this condition.

Keywords: bowel obstruction; bowel perforation; post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports