Blunt diaphragmatic rupture: four year's experience

Right-sided diaphragmatic hernia causing gastric outlet obstruction 1 month after trauma

Diaphragmatic hernias arising from trauma are rare, and scarcely present in a delayed manner. This case report highlights a case of delayed presentation of a right-sided post-traumatic hernia in a woman in her early 70s following a fall. The aim of this report is to shed light on the diagnostic peculiarities and management. The woman presented with a 3-day history of abdominal pain and coffee-ground vomiting. This followed a fall a month ago. CT confirmed the diagnosis of a gastric outlet obstruction secondary to a right-sided diaphragmatic rupture. At surgery, the herniated abdominal contents were reduced, and the diaphragmatic defect was fixed. The postoperative recovery was unremarkable, and the patient was discharged on day 4. This case highlights that diaphragmatic hernias should be considered as differential diagnoses following recent trauma.

Twenty-year perspective on blunt traumatic diaphragmatic injury in level 1 trauma centre: Early versus delayed diagnosis injury patterns and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Blunt traumatic diaphragmatic injury (TDI) is typically associated with severe trauma and concomitant injuries. It is a diagnostic challenge in the setting of blunt trauma and can be easily overlooked especially in the acute phase often dominated by concurrent injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with blunt-TDI identified from a level 1 trauma registry. Variables associated with early versus delayed diagnosis as well as non-survivor and survivor groups were collected to examine factors associated with delayed diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 155 patients were included (mean age 46 ± 20, 60.6% male). Diagnosis was made <24 h in 126 (81.3%), and >24 h in 29 (18.7%). Of the delayed diagnosis group, 14 (48%) were diagnosed >7 days. Overall, 27 (21.4%) patients had a diagnostic initial CXR and 64 (50.8%) had a diagnostic initial CT. Fifty-eight (37.4%) patients were diagnosed intraoperatively. Of the delayed diagnosis group, 22 (75.9%) had no initial signs on CXR or CT, 15 (52%) of this group had persistent pleural-effusions/elevated-hemidiaphragm leading to further investigation and diagnosis. No significant difference in survival was observed between early and delayed diagnoses, no clinically significant injury patterns to predict delayed diagnoses were noted.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of TDI is challenging. Without frank signs of herniation of abdominal contents on CXR or CT, the diagnosis is often not made on initial imaging. In patients with the evidence of blunt traumatic injury in the lower-chest/upper-abdomen, a high degree of clinical suspicion should be held and follow-up CXRs/CTs arranged.

Incidence of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Injury: Results From a Retrospective Cohort Study in a Level I Trauma Center in Riyadh

Introduction Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries (TDIs) are uncommon and the incidence of TDI is difficult to estimate because of the variation in reporting missed or late detected diaphragmatic injuries. Therefore, our study's aim was to investigate the prevalence of traumatic diaphragmatic injury in the thoracoabdominal trauma, discuss the etiological factors, diagnostic investigations, and outcomes in TDIs, and evaluate predictors of mortality in patients who were diagnosed at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods This observational retrospective cohort study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study included all adult patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with traumatic diaphragmatic injuries between the years 2016 and 2020. The BESTCare electronic system was used to get the patient's medical records and extract the data. Pearson χ2 test was used for categorical variables, and an independent t-test was used for continuous variables to investigate the association between predictors and outcomes.  Results A total of eight patients were involved in this study. The mean age of the patients was 49 years old. Males outnumbered females by 75%. Patients admitted with blunt injuries were greater by 75% compared to penetrating injuries by 25%. The left side of the diaphragm was the most common site of injury. The total number of patients who were admitted to the ICU was five, four of whom had blunt trauma and one had a penetrating injury. Conclusion The demographic data of the patients included in this study corresponded to that in the literature. Although not reaching a statistically significant level, ICU admissions and mortality were mostly associated with blunt injuries. Larger multi-center studies are required to further investigate the incidence of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries (TDI).

Diaphragmatic Injuries among Severely Injured Patients (ISS ≥ 16)-An Indicator of Injury Pattern and Severity of Abdominal Trauma

Background and Objectives: Abdominal trauma among severely injured patients with an injury severity score (ISS) of 16 and above can lead to potentially life-threatening injuries that might need immediate surgical intervention. Traumatic injuries to the diaphragm (TID) are a challenging condition often accompanied by other injuries in the thoracoabdominal region. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the occurrence and clinical course of TID among severely injured patients treated at our center between 2008 and 2019 and compared them to other groups of severely injured patients without TID. Results: Thirty-five patients with TID and a median ISS of 41 were treated in the period mentioned above. They were predominantly middle-aged men and mostly victims of blunt trauma as a consequence of motor vehicle accidents. A total of 70.6% had left-sided TID, and in 69.6%, the size of defect was larger than 10 cm. The diagnosis was made with computed tomography (CT) in 68.6% of the cases, while in 25.8%, it was made intraoperatively or delayed by a false-negative initial CT scan, and in 5.7%, an intraoperative diagnosis was made without preoperative CT imaging. Surgical repair was mostly conducted via laparotomy, performing a direct closure with continuous suture. A comparison to 191 patients that required laparotomy for abdominal injuries other than TID revealed significantly higher rates of concomitant injuries to several abdominal organs among patients suffering from TID. Compared to all other severely injured patients treated in the same period (n = 1377), patients suffering from TID had a significantly higher median ISS and a longer mean duration of hospital stay. Conclusions: Our findings show that TID can be seen as an indicator of particularly severe thoracoabdominal trauma that requires increased attention from the treatment team so as not to miss relevant concomitant injuries that require immediate intervention.

Contralateral diaphragmatic injury sustained from transhumeral amputation: an unusual case and brief literature review

Right-sided diaphragmatic injury is an uncommon sequelae from blunt trauma and may be associated with other severe thoracoabdominal injuries. This injury can be easily missed on initial assessment and a high index of suspicion and clinical judgment is required. Recently, we treated a 25-year-old male inflicted with a right-sided diaphragmatic injury after a left-sided transhumeral amputation sustained from an overturned motor vehicle collision with thoracoscopic exploration and reapproximation.

Left diaphragmatic rupture in vehicle trauma: Report of surgical treatment and complications of two consecutive cases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diaphragmatic ruptures are associated with blunt abdominal or thoracic trauma and often occur in car and motorbike accident with a high energy impact.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report two cases of patients victims of car and motorbike accidents that were referred to the Emergency Department of our Hospital in August and September 2017 for a politrauma. The patients were both diagnosed with a left diaphragmatic rupture with herniation of the stomach in the chest, and decomposed fractures of the ribs. One of the two patients reported a large abdominal wound with loss of substance in the site of the impact. Both patients underwent to open emergency surgery with primary repair of the phrenic rupture. The post-operative course was characterized by the occurrence of complications such as respiratory distress and emothorax for one of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm can be associated to blunt or penetrating abdominal trauma in car and motorbike accident with a prevalence of the left-sided lesions. In patients with politrauma an associate rupture of the diaphragm should be always suspected especially in motor accident where high energy impact can generate a traumatic laceration of the respiratory muscle. The treatment of associate thoracic wall fractures to prevent weaning and respiratory distress in intubated patient should be discussed.

A delayed presentation of traumatic right hemidiaphragm injury repaired via a laparoscopic approach: A case report

Introduction

Diaphragmatic injury is a rare clinical entity which presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It is three times more common following blunt trauma than penetrating trauma and results in larger tears. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose diaphragmatic injury. A missed diagnosis following acute injury can later result in life-threatening complications.

Case presentation

We describe the successful management of a right hemidiaphragmatic injury presenting two weeks following blunt thoracoabdominal trauma using a laparoscopic mesh repair.

Discussion

Diaphragmatic injury is rare, with right-sided injuries less common due to the buffering effect of the liver. The diagnosis is made within 24 hours of injury in 75% of cases (Haranal and et al., 2018) [1]. In our patient, symptoms of a right-sided diaphragmatic injury manifested two weeks following a motor vehicle collision. A CT scan of the chest and abdomen confirmed the diagnosis. According to DeBlasio, intermittent symptoms of visceral herniation or incorrect x-ray interpretation are the main reasons for a delayed diagnosis (DeBlasio et al., 1994) [2]. Contrary to common practice where thoracotomy is the preferred method for repair in the absence of associated abdominal injuries, we demonstrated that a right-sided diaphragmatic injury can be successfully managed with a laparoscopic mesh repair.

Conclusion

Traumatic diaphragmatic injury remains a challenge to emergency physicians and trauma surgeons. Clinicians should be aware of the differing clinical presentations, investigations, and management. Surgical repair can be achieved via laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, laparotomy, and/or thoracotomy. In the case of an isolated right-sided diaphragmatic injury, laparoscopic mesh repair should be considered.

•

Diaphragmatic injury is uncommon and presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

•

Injury can be identified in acute trauma management, but often the identification of diaphragmatic injury is delayed and manifests as atypical respiratory and/or abdominal symptoms.

•

Computed tomography (CT) of the Chest and Abdomen remains the diagnostic modality of choice.

•

Surgical repair of the defect can be achieved via laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, laparotomy, and/or thoracotomy.

•

Laparoscopic repair of delayed diaphragmatic defect with mesh is achievable and avoids the morbidity associated with open surgery.

Evolution and Functional Differentiation of the Diaphragm Muscle of Mammals

Symmorphosis is a concept of economy of biological design, whereby structural properties are matched to functional demands. According to symmorphosis, biological structures are never over designed to exceed functional demands. Based on this concept, the evolution of the diaphragm muscle (DIAm) in mammals is a tale of two structures, a membrane that separates and partitions the primitive coelomic cavity into separate abdominal and thoracic cavities and a muscle that serves as a pump to generate intra-abdominal (Pab ) and intrathoracic (Pth ) pressures. The DIAm partition evolved in reptiles from folds of the pleural and peritoneal membranes that was driven by the biological advantage of separating organs in the larger coelomic cavity into separate thoracic and abdominal cavities, especially with the evolution of aspiration breathing. The DIAm pump evolved from the advantage afforded by more effective generation of both a negative Pth for ventilation of the lungs and a positive Pab for venous return of blood to the heart and expulsive behaviors such as airway clearance, defecation, micturition, and child birth. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:715-766, 2019.

Evaluation of Thoracoscopy with Single-Lumen Endotracheal Tube Intubation and Laparoscopy in the Diagnosis of Occult Diaphragmatic Injuries in Penetrating Thoracoabdominal Trauma

Background: The diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries (TDIs) after penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma is challenging and conventional imaging is unreliable. Laparoscopy and thoracoscopy are minimally invasive modalities of choice in the diagnosis and management of TDI. A little is known on the value of thoracoscopy with single-lumen endotracheal tube intubation (SLETI) in the diagnosis of occult diaphragmatic injuries, and how it compares with laparoscopy. Methods: A prospective study evaluated thoracoscopy with SLETI as a diagnostic tool for occult TDI. Thoracoscopy was followed by diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm the findings and manage diaphragmatic and intra-abdominal injuries. Results: Thirty-one patients underwent thoracoscopy followed by laparoscopy. Majority were men (n = 27, 87%). The median age was 30 years. Twenty-six patients had stab wounds (83.8%), and 5 had gunshot wounds (16.1%). The incidence of diaphragmatic injury was 42% (n = 13). Thoracoscopy with SLETI correctly identified 12 (92%) patients with diaphragmatic injury, but 1 patient had dense pleural adhesions. Diagnostic laparoscopy identified all injuries. Conclusion: Thoracoscopy with SLETI and laparoscopy are feasible, safe, and accurate approaches in detecting TDI in stable patients with penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries. However, dense pleural adhesions may prevent thoracoscopy. Laparoscopy allows inspection of both hemidiaphragms and diagnoses associated intra-abdominal injuries. The choice of primary technique will depend on the individual clinical scenario.

Isolated Right-Sided Posttraumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia

Diaphragm is a compliant musculoaponeurotic barrier located between thoracic and abdominal cavities. Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a rare clinicopathological entity. We report a case of right-sided posttraumatic hernia in a child following blunt trauma to highlight diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic specific aspects. A 10-year-old boy was admitted to the emergency surgical department with thoracic trauma following pedestrian accident. At admission a haemothorax was suspected and treated by pleural drainage. The diagnosis of a right-sided diaphragmatic rupture was made after computed tomographic scan forty-eight hours later. At surgery, a reduction of herniated abdominal content and a suture of diaphragmatic defect were performed. The postoperative recoveries were uneventful and the patient was followed up for 12 months without symptoms. The possibility of a diaphragmatic rupture should be kept in mind and sought after any trauma of the thoracoabdominal junction as the diagnosis can be challenging in emergency department.

Thoracotomy compared to laparotomy in the traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Systematic review and proportional methanalysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the most used approach to treat traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures, and in which one the requirement to assess the second cavity is more frequent.

METHODS

Systematic review, observational studies. Outcomes: moment of approach, most commonly via addressed and the requirement to open the other cavity. Bases searched: Lilacs, Pubmed, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov and Web of Science. Statistical analysis: StatsDirect 3.0.121 software.

RESULTS

Sixty eight studies (2023 participants) were included. Approach in acute phase was performed four times more than in chronic phase. Approach: abdominal 65% (IC 95% 63-67%), thoracic 23% (IC 95% 21-24%), abdominal in the acute phase 75% (IC 95% 71-78%), and chronic 24% (IC 95% 19-29%), thoracic in the acute phase 12% (IC 95% 10-14%) and chronic 69% (IC 95% 63-74%). Thorax opening in the abdominal approach: 10% (95% CI 8-14%). Abdomen opening in the thoracic approach: 15% (95% CI 7-24%).

CONCLUSIONS

The most common approach was the abdominal. The approach in the acute phase was more common. In the acute phase the abdominal approach is more frequent than the thoracic approach. In the chronic phase the thoracic approach is more frequent than the abdominal one. The requirement to open the second cavity was similar in both approaches.

Acute and Delayed Traumatic Diaphragmatic Ruptures Presenting at the Emergency Service: What are We Missing?

Introduction

Diaphragmatic rupture is rarely a cause of death by itself. It is especially difficult to diagnose diaphragmatic ruptures in patients with unstable vital signs who present at the emergency service with concurrent chest, abdomen, and extremity injuries as a result of blunt trauma. We evaluated the diagnostic processes, clinical findings and treatment results of acute and delayed traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures (TDR) cases that presented at the emergency service.

Methods

A total of 29 patients that underwent surgical treatment with a diagnosis of TDR among 1021 patients that presented at the Canakkale State Hospital Emergency Service with acute or delayed thoracoabdominal trauma were retrospectively investigated. The age, gender, trauma etiology, diagnosis duration, injury severity score (ISS), rupture location, accompanying organ injuries, operation type, inpatient duration, morbidity and mortality were recorded on prepared forms to analyse the cases.

Results

The mean age of the 29 patients with TDR was 45.31 + 17.76 years with and 20 (69%) males and 9 (31%) females. The trauma was blunt in 22 (76%) and penetrating in 7 (24%) cases. The TDR was acute in 16 (55%) and delayed in 13 (45%) patients. The surgery for TDR treatment consisted of with thoracotomy in 16 (55%) patients, laparotomy in 11 (38%) patients and both thoracotomy and laparotomy in 2 (7%) cases. Mortality occurred in 3 (10%) patients that presented at the acute stage.

Conclusions

The patients undergoing thoracoabdominal trauma, should be explained the probability, although low, of rupture of the diaphragm. These patients should be followed up and it should be emphasized that they should absolutely tell this trauma history to the physician who examines them when they present at the emergency service.

Traumatic Multiple Fractures Associated with Blunt Diaphragmatic Rupture and Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Case Report

Traumatic multiple fractures are a serious, infrequent and potentially life-threatening medical emergency. In addition, traumatic blunt diaphragmatic rupture and diaphragmatic hernia are rare and potentially life-threatening clinical entities associated with injuries. A case of traumatic multiple fractures associated with blunt diaphragmatic rupture and diaphragmatic hernia is reported. The operative management of this type of injury and clinical experience are discussed. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2011;18:424-427)

Missed diaphragmatic injury after blunt trauma presenting with colonic strangulation: a rare scenario

Diaphragmatic rupture occurs in 4%-5% cases of thoracoabdominal injuries. It may present acutely, in a delayed fashion or as a complicated hernia. We are describing the case of a young male presenting in respiratory distress with history of chest trauma 1.5 years back. On investigation, he was found to have left side diaphragmatic hernia containing gangrenous colon with lung collapse. The patient underwent successful operative intervention and discharged after 25 days of hospital stay. Record review suggested that the above mentioned diaphragm injury was missed in his evaluation 1.5 years back. Diaphragmatic injury must always be suspected in thoracoabdominal injuries, as missed injury may cause devastating complications like the one narrated above in due course.

Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture with underlying lung laceration and tension pneumoperitoneum

Tension pneumoperitoneum is commonly caused by gastrointestinal perforation and pulmonary causes are extremely rare. We present a case of a 47-year-old male post motor vehicle accident with a suspected left-sided haemopneumothorax on initial chest x-ray. CT of the chest post chest tube insertion showed a left-sided diaphragmatic rupture and an extensive diaphragmatic hernia. While en-route to the operating theatre, the intubated patient developed tension pneumoperitoneum with positive pressure ventilation and required immediate surgical intervention and repair. A review of the literature around tension pneumoperitoneum and diaphragmatic hernia in trauma is discussed.

Prevalence, management and outcome of traumatic diaphragm injuries managed by the Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service

INTRODUCTION This audit of traumatic diaphram injury (TDI) from a busy South African trauma service reviews the spectrum of disease and highlights current approaches to these injuries. METHODS The Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) has maintained an Electronic Surgical Registry (ESR) and a Hybrid Electronic Medical Record (HEMR) system since January 1st 2012. RESULTS A total of 105 TDIs were identified and repaired during the study period. The mean patient age was 30 years (range 15-68 years - SD 9.7). The majority (92.4%) of patients were male (97/105). Penetrating trauma was the leading mechanism of injury (94%). 75 patients sustained a TDI from a stab wound, and the remaining 24 injuries resulted from gunshot wounds. Multiple associated injuries and high morbidity was seen with right diaphragm injury, blunt trauma, gunshot wounds and chronic diaphragmatic hernias. CONCLUSIONS TDI is a fairly uncommon injury with a local incidence of 1.6%. It presents in a spectrum from the obvious to the occult. Multiple associated injuries and high morbidity occur following blunt trauma or gunshot wounds, right diaphragm injury and chronic diaphragmatic hernias. Diagnostic laparoscopy offers a diagnostic and therapeutic tool to prevent progression of occult TDI to chronic diaphragmatic hernias.

Asymptomatic Traumatic Hepatothorax, Symptomatic Gall Stone Disease - A Rare Coincidence

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia rarely affects right side due to protective effect of liver. In adult it is mainly caused by blunt abdominal trauma. Acute presentations are often life threatening and usually clinch the diagnosis early. It may remain asymptomatic for many years unless being detected incidentally during investigations for some unrelated reason or getting complicated by some pathology of herniated viscera. High degree of suspicion is required to detect this delayed presentation particularly in a post-trauma patient as this condition may require modifications in management. We report a case of acute cholecystitis which revealed a rare association of traumatic right diaphragmatic hernia and hepatothorax.

Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries: a retrospective review of a 12-year experience at a tertiary trauma centre

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries (TDIs) are clinically challenging. We aimed to review TDIs treated at a tertiary trauma centre over a 12-year period.

METHODS

This was a single-centre retrospective review of adult patients with TDIs treated between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2014. Primary outcomes were mortality rates and Injury Severity Scores (ISS) associated with each TDI subtype. Secondary outcomes included proportions of TDIs diagnosed radiologically, operatively or during autopsy. We compared the TDI subtypes with respect to mechanism of injury, mortality rates and median ISS. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Among 46 patients studied, the TDI subtypes noted were acute diaphragmatic herniation (n = 14, 30.4%), tears (n = 22, 47.8%) and contusions (n = 10, 21.7%). Patients with these TDI subtypes had a mortality rate of 35.7%-100%, while the ISS ranges for survivors and deaths were 22.0-34.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.5-23.0) and 53.5-66.0 (IQR 16.0-28.5), respectively. TDIs were identified via chest radiography (n = 2/33, 6.1%) and computed tomography (n = 6/13, 46.2%). All survivors (n = 21) and deaths (n = 25) underwent open surgery or autopsy, respectively, which confirmed TDIs. Blunt traumas and penetrating traumas were more frequently associated with acute herniation/contusions and tears, respectively. There were statistically significant differences among the TDI subtypes in their mechanism of injury, mortality rate and median ISS of survivors.

CONCLUSION

TDIs showed varying injury patterns with blunt versus penetrating mechanisms of injury, and were associated with significant mortality rates. Preoperative imaging had limited diagnostic use.

Delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: A case-series report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias (TDHs) are sometimes difficult to identify at an early stage and can consequently result in diagnostic delays with life-threatening outcomes. It is the aim of this case study to highlight the difficulties encountered with the earlier detection of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias.

METHODS

Clinical data of patients who received treatment for delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernias in registers of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from 1998 to 2014 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Six patients were included in this study. Left hemidiaphragm was affected in all of them. Most of the patients had a history of traffic accident and 1 a stab-penetrating injury. The interval from injury to developing symptoms ranged from 2 to 11 years (median 5 years). The hernial contents included the stomach, omentum, small intestine, and colon. Diaphragmatic injury was missed in all of them during the initial managements. All patients received operations once the diagnosis of delayed TDH was confirmed, and no postoperative mortality was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed TDHs are not common, but can lead to serious consequences once occurred. Early detection of diaphragmatic injuries is crucial. Surgeons should maintain a high suspicion for injuries of the diaphragm in cases with abdominal or lower chest traumas, especially in the initial surgical explorations. We emphasize the need for radiographical follow-up to detect diaphragmatic injuries at an earlier stage.

Unusual repair in a rare case of hepatothorax due to right-sided diaphragmatic rupture: case report

Intra-thoracic herniation of abdominal organs following diaphragmatic rupture represents an unusual clinical occurrence with great diagnostic difficulty. The authors present a case of right diaphragmatic rupture related to peritonitis due to perforated duodenal ulcer in previous (1 year before) thoraco-abdominal trauma with complete intra-thoracic herniation of the liver, gallbladder, ascending and transverse colon and lung collapse. The preoperative diagnosis has been based on clinical, chest X-ray, and ultrasound examination. The patient, because of very serious respiratory and hemodynamic distress, immediately underwent surgery (thoraco-laparotomic approach) with reduction of the liver, gallbladder, ascending and transverse colon in the abdominal cavity, perforated duodenal ulcer suture and repair of diaphragmatic tear using an unusual repair mode: suture of autologous fascia lata graft to the diaphragm. Postoperative chest radiography showed the normal location of right diaphragmatic border.

Tension pneumothorax due to perforated colon

A very rare case of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is reported in a 65-year-old woman who presented 46 years after her initial thoracoabdominal injury with tension faecopneumothorax caused by a perforated colon in the chest cavity. She presented in a critical condition with severe respiratory distress, sepsis and acute kidney injury. She had a long-standing history of bronchial asthma with respiratory complications and had experienced progressive shortness of breath for the past year. A recent CT scan had excluded the presence of a diaphragmatic hernia but showed a significantly raised left hemidiaphragm. On admission, chest X-rays showed a significantly raised left hemidiaphragm and mediastinal shift, but the possibility of a diaphragmatic hernia with strangulated bowel in the chest was not suspected until the patient was reviewed by the surgical and intensive care unit consultants the next morning and a repeat CT performed. She had a successful outcome after her emergency operation.

Recurrence in a Laparoscopically Repaired Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia: Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction:

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH) develops infrequently following a traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (TDR). As TDR is frequently missed due to lack of sensitive and specific imaging modalities, a high index of suspicion for such injuries is essential, whether immediately posttraumatic, or even decades after the trauma. We describe a rare case of recurrence in a laparoscopically repaired TDH and review the current literature on the same.

Case Presentation:

A 23-year-old male with a history of primary laparoscopic repair of left-sided TDR two years ago presented with symptoms of acute large bowel obstruction. His chest X-ray showed a left-sided pleural effusion and a loop of the bowel in the left hemithorax, but no signs of free gas. An abdominal X-ray (AXR) demonstrated massively dilated large bowel with distension of the small bowel. At laparotomy, the obstructing lesion consisted of the large bowel with omentum herniated through the left hemidiaphragm, consistent with a left recurrent/chronic diaphragmatic hernia. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired with interrupted nylon. The patient made an uneventful recovery.

Conclusions:

Recurrence after repair of TDH is a less reported condition (with only two published articles) and little is known regarding the factors responsible for this. Laparoscopy is an excellent diagnostic tool, but currently management is probably best performed via an open technique using heavy non-absorbable suture material to prevent recurrence. Long term follow up of these patients should also be considered.

Diaphragmatic hernia repair more than four years after severe trauma: Four case reports

INTRODUCTION

Diaphragmatic rupture is an infrequent complication of trauma, occurring in about 5% of those who suffer a severe closed thoracoabdominal injury and about half of the cases are diagnosed early. High morbidity and mortality from bowel strangulation and other sequelae make prompt surgical intervention mandatory.

CASE PRESENTATION

Four Brazilian men with a delayed diagnosis of a rare occurrence of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Patient one had diaphragmatic rupture on the right side of thorax and the others three patients on the left thoracic side, all they had to approach by a laparotomy and some approach in the chest, either thoracotomy or VATS. This injuries required surgical repositioning of extensively herniated abdominal viscera and intensive postoperative medical management with a careful control of intra-abdominal pressure.

DISCUSSION

The negative pressure of the thoracic cavity causes a gradually migration of abdominal contents into the chest; this sequestration reduces the abdomen's ability to maintain the viscera in their normal anatomical position. When the hernia is diagnosed early, the repair is less complicated and requires less invasive surgery. Years after the initial trauma, the diaphragmatic rupture produces dense adhesions between the chest and the abdominal contents.

CONCLUSIONS

All cases demonstrated that surgical difficulty increases when diaphragmatic rupture is not diagnosed early. It should be noted that when trauma to the thoraco-abdominal transition area is blunt or penetrating, a thorough evaluation is required to rule out diaphragmatic rupture and a regular follow-up to monitor late development of this comorbidity.

Accuracy of Rapid Ultrasound in Shock (RUSH) Exam for Diagnosis of Shock in Critically Ill Patients

Background:

Rapid ultrasound in shock (RUSH) is the most recent emergency ultrasound protocol, designed to help clinicians better recognize distinctive shock etiologies in a shorter time frame.

Objectives:

In this study, we evaluated the accuracy of the RUSH protocol, performed by an emergency physician or radiologist, in predicting the type of shock in critical patients.

Patients and Methods:

An emergency physician or radiologist performed the RUSH protocol for all patients with shock status at the emergency department. All patients were closely followed to determine their final clinical diagnosis. The agreement between the initial impression provided by RUSH and the final diagnosis was investigated by calculating the Kappa index. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of RUSH for diagnosis of each case.

Results:

We performed RUSH on 77 patients. Kappa index was 0.71 (P Value = 0.000), reflecting acceptable general agreement between initial impression and final diagnosis. For hypovolemic, cardiogenic and obstructive shock, the protocol had an NPV above 97% yet it had a lower PPV. For shock with distributive or mixed etiology, RUSH showed a PPV of 100% but it had low sensitivity. Subgroup analysis showed a similar Kappa index for the emergency physician and radiologist (0.70 and 0.73, respectively) in performing rush.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the role of the RUSH exam performed by an emergency physician, to make a rapid and reliable diagnosis of shock etiology, especially in order to rule out obstructive, cardiogenic and hypovolemic shock types in initial exam of shock patients.

Right diaphragmatic injury and lacerated liver during a penetrating abdominal trauma: case report and brief literature review

INTRODUCTION

Diaphragmatic injuries are rare consequences of thoracoabdominal trauma and they often occur in association with multiorgan injuries. The diaphragm is a difficult anatomical structure to study with common imaging instruments due to its physiological movement. Thus, diaphragmatic injuries can often be misunderstood and diagnosed only during surgical procedures. Diagnostic delay results in a high rate of mortality.

METHODS

We report the management of a clinical case of a 45-old man who came to our observation with a stab wound in the right upper abdomen. The type or length of the knife used as it was extracted from the victim after the fight. CT imaging demonstrated a right hemothorax without pulmonary lesions and parenchymal laceration of the liver with active bleeding. It is observed hemoperitoneum and subdiaphragmatic air in the abdomen, as a bowel perforation. A complete blood count check revealed a decrease in hemoglobin (7 mg/dl), and therefore it was decided to perform surgery in midline laparotomy.

CONCLUSION

In countries with a low incidence of inter-personal violence, stab wound diaphragmatic injury is particularly rare, in particular involving the right hemidiaphragm. Diaphragmatic injury may be underestimated due to the presence of concomitant lesions of other organs, to a state of shock and respiratory failure, and to the difficulty of identifying diaphragmatic injuries in the absence of high sensitivity and specific diagnostic instruments. Diagnostic delay causes high mortality with these traumas with insidious symptoms. A diaphragmatic injury should be suspected in the presence of a clinical picture which includes hemothorax, hemoperitoneum, anemia and the presence of subdiaphragmatic air in the abdomen.

Laparoscopic repair of combined right diaphragm and liver injuries with a sharp object: a case report

Introduction. Diaphragm injuries develop following penetrating or blunt traumas. The purpose of the case report is to present a 28 year old male patient with stable hemodynamic findings treated with laparoscopic approach following a liver injury combined with a right diaphragm injury caused by a sharp penetrating object. Case. 4 cm long transverse laceration was observed near the middle axillary line in the 6th right intercostal space in the examination performed on a 28 year old male patient who applied to the emergency service due to sharp penetrating object injury. Respiratory sounds were decreased in the right side and the examination revealed sensitivity in the abdomen. Elevation in the right diaphragm and hemopneumothorax was monitored in chest X-ray and computerized tomography. Closed subaqueous thorax drain was placed and the patient was taken to the surgery with a right diaphragm injury prediagnosis. Laparoscopic exploration was performed to the patient with stable hemodynamic findings by entering through 10 mm port above the abdomen. 6 cm long injury at the right side of diaphragm and approximately 2 cm deep at the deepest point and 5 cm long linear laceration was observed in the 7th segment of the liver. The diaphragm was repaired laparoscopically with sutures that do not melt on their own. Tampon was applied to the laceration in the liver and bleeding control was performed with suture. Patient was discharged on the 3rd day because he had no problems during postoperative follow-ups. Result. No noticed right side diaphragm rupture and possible concomitant visceral organ injuries following a penetrant injury that can cause significant mortality and morbidity should be definitely kept in mind. The detection of right side diaphragm and liver injury is vital with high mortality in case of delayed diagnosis, and direct radiography and computerized tomography are helpful in the diagnosis. Surgical treatment with laparoscopic approach is a method that leads to less hospitalization duration and less pain in cases that are hemodynamically stable.

Video-assisted minithoracotomy for blunt diaphragmatic rupture presenting as a delayed hemothorax

Diaphragmatic ruptures after blunt trauma are rare life-threatening conditions. Most of them occur on the left-sided hemidiaphragm with herniation or associated organ injuries after a motor vehicle accident. We present an unusual case of blunt diaphragmatic rupture resulting in a delayed hemothorax. A 62-year-old man presented with acute dyspnea that initiated while straining to pass stool. He had a bruise on the lower back region of his right thorax after a slip-and-fall accident 7 days previously. Chest computed tomographic scans revealed a right-sided hemothorax without any evidence of herniation or associated organ injuries. Emergency surgery was performed through a video-assisted minithoracotomy. During surgery, we identified a diaphragmatic laceration with a severed blood vessel originating from the right superior phrenic artery. The lesion was repaired with interrupted horizontal mattress sutures. The total amount of bleeding was approximately 2000 mL. The patient had an uneventful recovery with no further bleeding episodes.

Laparoscopically assisted repair of an acute traumatic diaphragmatic hernia

A 60-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a heavy smoker and drinker presented to the emergency department with left-sided thoracoabdominal pain after falling down the stairs. Initial clinical findings were left-sided chest tenderness with no clinical evidence of subcutaneous emphysema. Twenty-four hours later the patient's respiratory distress increased-repeat chest X-ray showed a left gastrothorax indicative of a ruptured left hemi diaphragm. Diagnostic laparoscopy in the supine position via an umbilical port confirmed the presence of the stomach, spleen and splenic flexure of the colon in the left chest. Laparoscopic reduction of the stomach and colon was performed, but a small upper midline incision was required to reduce the spleen without injury. The diaphragmatic tear was repaired by direct open suture. The patient required a brief period of postoperative ventilation via a tracheostomy. The patient remained well at a 3-month follow-up visit.

Delayed presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: a diagnosis of suspicion with increased morbidity and mortality

Background

Diaphragmatic rupture due to blunt or penetrating injury may be a missed diagnosis in an acute setting and can present with a delayed complication with significantly increased morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to better understand why diaphragmatic tears with delayed presentation and diagnosis are so often missed and why traumatic diaphragmatic tears are difficult to diagnose in emergency settings and how they present with grievous complications.

Patients and Methods

Eleven patients with diaphragmatic hernias with delayed presentation and delayed diagnosis were operated within the last five years. All patients presented with different complications like gut gangrene or respiratory distress.

Results

Out of eleven patients who were operated on for diaphragmatic hernia, three patients (27%) died. Three patients required colonic resection, one patient needed gastrectomy and one patient underwent esophagogastrectomy.

Conclusions

A small diaphragmatic tear due to blunt trauma to the abdomen is difficult to diagnosis in acute settings due to ragged margins and possibly no herniated contents and usually present with a delayed complication. Therefore a careful examination of the entire traumatized area is the best approach in treating delayed presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia prior to development of grievous complications.

Intrathoracal cholecystitis calculosa in a right-sided posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Injuries of the diaphragm were first described in 1541 by Sennertus and the initial repair was performed by Riolfi in 1886. Posttraumatic diaphragmatic hernia in adults is usually caused by blunt trauma and may remain asymptomatic and undiagnosed for many years. Right-sided tears are significantly less likely than left-sided tears because of the protective effect of the liver. They are associated with high mortality and morbidity. The rupture of the right side of the diaphragm and the presence of an inflamed gallbladder in the thoracic cavity are uncommon.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 57-year-old Albanian man with prolapses of his gallbladder and other abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity through the herniation of his right hemidiaphragm due to trauma. The diaphragmatic hernia and gallstones seen in the thorax computed tomography scan were diagnostic. The organs herniated to the thoracic cavity were placed back into the abdominal cavity, a cholecystectomy was performed and the defect in the diaphragm was repaired with a prolene mesh graft during the operation. The patient was discharged 10 days after the surgical procedure, and no complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

Diaphragmatic hernia should be considered as a possible diagnosis in patients with respiratory disorders or unusual shadows in the thoracic region after recently sustained injury or with a history of injury. The prolapse of a gallbladder is rare. The symptoms are uncharacteristic and patients with this disease may remain without symptoms for a long period. Treatment is surgical.

Delayed right-sided diaphragmatic rupture and laparoscopic repair with mesh fixation

Diaphragmatic rupture is usually an immediate, left-sided complication of high-velocity thoraco-abdominal trauma. Here we present a rare case of delayed, right-sided diaphragmatic rupture and its laparoscopic mesh repair.

Diaphragmatic rupture causing repeated vomiting in a combined abdominal and head injury patient: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Diaphragmatic rupture after blunt abdominal injury is a rare trauma condition. Delayed diagnosis is not uncommon especially in the emergency room setting. Associated injuries often shift diagnosis and treatment priorities towards other more life-threatening conditions.

Case presentation

We present a challenging case of a young male with combined abdominal and head trauma. Repeated episodes of vomiting dominated on clinical presentation that in the presence of a deep scalp laceration and facial bruising shifted differential diagnosis towards a traumatic brain injury. However, a computed tomography scan of the brain ruled out any intracranial pathology. Finally, a more meticulous investigation with additional imaging studies confirmed the presence of diaphragmatic rupture that justified the clinical symptoms.

Conclusions

The combination of diaphragmatic rupture with head injury creates a challenging trauma scenario. Increased level of suspicion is essential in order to diagnose timely diaphragmatic rupture in multiple trauma patients.

Isolated right diaphragmatic rupture following blunt trauma

Blunt diaphragmatic injuries are usually caused by blunt trauma or penetrating injuries. The diagnosis may be delayed or missed because of the confusing clinical and radiographic findings and the presence of multiple associated injuries. We report the case of an isolated right diaphragm rupture in a 56-year-old man who sustained blunt thoracic trauma after car accident 2 weeks before presentation. No other injuries were detected, and he was subjected to laparotomy. Diaphragmatic rupture is perceived as an emergency entity. The late appearance of such an injury, without other accompanying injuries, is rare and should be in mind by clinicians treating trauma patients who have a delayed presentation after the injury.

The role of laparoscopy in abdominal trauma

Since the advent of minimally invasive surgery, the use of laparoscopy for both diagnostic as well as therapeutic interventions has continued to expand in all of the surgical disciplines. In fact, this modality provides a viable alternative for the diagnosis of occult intra-abdominal injury following both penetrating and blunt trauma. The increased use of laparoscopy coupled with defined management algorithms has decreased the rate of negative and/or nontherapeutic laparotomy. This is particularly important in those patients where the potential for peritoneal violation exists without other clear indications for laparotomy. As technology and instrumentation continue to advance, future directions will include more attempts at therapeutic and ‘awake’ laparoscopy to embrace the advantages of minimally invasive surgery including decreased pain, expedited discharge and reduction of unnecessary laparotomy in suitable patients.

Right-sided diaphragmatic rupture after blunt trauma. An unusual entity

Traumatic injuries of the diaphragm remain an entity of difficult diagnosis despite having been recognised early in the history of surgery, especially when it comes to blunt trauma and injuries of the right diaphragm. We report the case of a patient with blunt trauma with right diaphragmatic rupture that required urgent surgical treatment for hepatothorax and iatrogenic severe liver injury. Blunt trauma can cause substantial diaphragmatic rupture. It must have a high index of suspicion for diaphragmatic injury in patients, victims of vehicle collisions, mainly if they have suffered frontal impacts and/or side precipitates in patients with severe thoracoabdominal trauma. The diagnosis can be performed clinically and confirmation should be radiological. The general measures for the management of multiple trauma patients must be applied. Surgery at the time of diagnosis should restore continuity.

Delayed enterothorax and hepatothorax due to missed right-sided traumatic diaphragmatic rupture

Traumatic diaphragma ruptures (DRs) are an unusual condition after blunt thoracoabdominal trauma, and there are some difficulties in the diagnosis, in the absence of the additional life-threatening injuries. Right-sided injuries are less frequent than left-sided injuries and may be missed easily. Intrathoracic herniation of abdominal organs is an uncommon condition for right-sided DR. Particularly, to our knowledge, progressive hepatothorax and enterothorax that develop over years are a very rare presentation of DR. Herein, we present a case of progressive thoracic herniation of the abdominal organs, diagnosed 22 years after the initial trauma.

Diaphragmatic rupture with right colon and small intestine herniation after blunt trauma: a case report

Introduction

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias are an unusual presentation of trauma, and are observed in about 10% of diaphragmatic injuries. The diagnosis is often missed because of non-specific clinical signs, and the absence of additional intra-abdominal and thoracic injuries.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 59-year-old Italian man hospitalized for abdominal pain and vomiting. His medical history included a blunt trauma seven years previously. A chest X-ray showed right diaphragm elevation, and computed tomography revealed that the greater omentum, a portion of the colon and the small intestine had been transposed in the hemithorax through a diaphragm rupture. The patient underwent laparotomy, at which time the colon and small intestine were reduced back into the abdomen and the diaphragm was repaired.

Conclusions

This was a unusual case of traumatic right-sided diaphragmatic hernia. Diaphragmatic ruptures may be revealed many years after the initial trauma. The suspicion of diaphragmatic rupture in a patient with multiple traumas contributes to early diagnosis. Surgical repair remains the only curative treatment for diaphragmatic hernias. Prosthetic patches may be a good solution when the diaphragmatic defect is severe and too large for primary closure, whereas primary repair remains the gold standard for the closure of small to moderate sized diaphragmatic defects.