Dellayed presenttattiion off blluntt ttraumattiic diiaphragmattiic herniia:: A case reportt

Abstract

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is an uncommon but severe problem that is usually seen in polytraumatized patients. Diagnosis is often difficult resulting in delayed presentation and increased morbidity. We report a case of blunt traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in a 39-year-old man presenting 10 years after the initial abdomino-thoracic injury sustained in a road traffic accident. He had herniation of the spleen and stomach. Through a left thoracotomy, the herniated organs were reduced and diaphragmatic defect closed with interrupted nylon sutures. A high index of suspicion would minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with delayed diagnosis.