The Clinical Spectrum of Right Bochdalek's Hernia

• Congenital right posterolateral (Bochdalek's) diaphragmatic hernia usually has clinical manifestations different from those of left Bochdalek's hernia; it often masquerades as a pleural effusion, an asymptomatic intrathoracic mass, or an intestinal obstruction. The primary reason for the difference in symptoms is the presence of the liver on the right, which occludes the diaphragmatic defect and permits normal development of the ipsilateral lung. We recommend a transabdominal approach for surgical repair. ( Arch Surg 1982;117:341-344)