Delayed presentation of blunt traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: A case report

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is an uncommon but severe problem that is usually seen in poly-traumatized 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. Keywords : trauma, diaphragmatic hernia, delayed presentation Nigerian Journal of Surgical Research Vol. 7(3&4) 2005: 323-324