Synchronous Morgagni and Bochdalek Hernias: A Case Report of a Unique Approach to a Rare Finding

Introduction: Multiple unilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) are extremely rare, described only five times in the medical literature. Concurrent ipsilateral Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias are rarer still with only two cases previously described. In all reported cases of multiple concurrent defects, the hernias were repaired in an open fashion, either via a thoracotomy or laparotomy with both of the two combined Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias repaired via laparotomy. Case Presentation: In this case report we have a 2-day-old who developed respiratory distress and on CT scan was found to have a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) or eventration. This patient is ideal for this case report because he meets a lot of the previously established criteria for minimally invasive repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernias - minimal respiratory compromise, no congenital heart defects - and he has synchronous defects which have very rarely been seen before. Here we present the first reported case of concurrent ipsilateral Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias repaired in a one-stage minimally invasive fashion, approaching the Bochdalek hernia thoracoscopically and the Morgagni laparoscopically. The patient had a quick recovery post-operatively and he continues to do well. Conclusions: From this experience, we argue that in the right circumstances a completely minimally invasive approach can be taken for synchronous congenital diaphragmatic hernias.