Laparoscopic-assisted thoracoscopic repair of latent traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: A case report

Surgical approaches for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia include transabdominal, transthoracic, and thoracoabdominal. Selection of the optimal approach depends on the timing and organ damage, often minimally invasive approaches with laparoscopy or thoracoscopy are performed. A 47-year-old man with blunt chest trauma was diagnosed with left traumatic diaphragmatic hernia 1 month after the trauma. The prolapsed omentum was detached from the chest wall and around the hernia orifice and returned to the abdominal cavity by coordinated thoracoscopic and laparoscopic manipulations. The 4 × 2 cm herniation in the diaphragm was sutured closed from the thoracic side while preventing re-prolapse of the omentum and abdominal organs from the abdominal side. A combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach can be effective in confirming organ damage, repositioning of prolapsed organs, and safe repair of the diaphragm in latent traumatic diaphragmatic hernia.     

Blunt diaphragmatic rupture--a rare but challenging entity in thoracoabdominal trauma

Purpose

Delayed diagnosis of blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture (BDR) is not uncommon in the emergency department (ED) despite improvement in investigative techniques. We reviewed a large case series of patients diagnosed with blunt traumatic diaphragmatic rupture in order to report demographics, clinical features, and mechanisms of injury of this important but challenging entity.

Methods

From January 2001 through December 2009, 43 patients were diagnosed with BDR at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Demographic data, including sex, age, initial hemodynamic parameters, laboratory data, diagnostic imaging, trauma mechanism, injury location, associated injuries, injury severity score (ISS), time to diagnosis, intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS), hospital length of stay (hospital LOS), and mortality, were extracted from hospital records.

Results

A total of 43 patients (34 men; 9 women) with BDR were analyzed. Their median age was 37 years (15-82 yrs). Most of these injuries were related to traffic collision (76.8%). The anatomic location of injury to the diaphragm consisted of 24 left-sided (55.8%), 14 right-sided (32.6%),and 5 bilateral diaphragmatic injuries. (11.6%) Hemopneumothorax was the most common associated injury (37.2%). The median diagnostic time was 8 hours (range 2 to 366 hrs). The median ISS score was 18 (range 9 to 41). The median ICU LOS was 4 days (range 0 to 99 ds) and the median HLOS was 19 days (range 1 to 106ds). The total mortality rate was 9.3%. Initial high ISS, initial shock and bilateral diaphragmatic injury significantly increased mortality.

Conclusion

BDR constitutes a rare entity in thoracoabdominal trauma and most of these injuries were related to traffic collision. High index of suspicion was still the main factor to early diagnosis of this case. The mortality was related to initial shock , bilateral BDR and high ISS. Proper initial resuscitation and correction of other serious injuries may be more life-saving in patients with BDR.     

Blunt traumatic rupture of the diaphragm: sonographic diagnosis.

Ultrasonographic features of seven patients with diaphragmatic rupture due to blunt trauma were analyzed. The ruptures occurred at the left hemidiaphragm in four patients and at the right in three. Direct ultrasonographic findings were as follows: disrupted diaphragm in four patients; nonvisualized diaphragm in three patients; floating diaphragm in two patients; and herniation of the liver or bowel loops through the diaphragmatic defect in three patients. Indirect sonographic findings included pleural effusion or subphrenic fluid collection in five patients and splenic laceration in one. Although the number of patients was limited, ultrasonography was very useful for the diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture.     

Delayed diagnosis of right-sided diaphragmatic rupture

Diaphragmatic rupture is uncommon and results from either blunt or penetrating trauma. Right-sided traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures are easily missed. We present a case of rupture of the right diaphragm, which highlights the difficulty of confirming the correct diagnosis.     

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.     

CT征象诊断创伤性膈肌破裂

目的 探讨CT征象诊断创伤性膈肌破裂的价值。方法 回顾性分析256例可疑创伤性膈肌破裂的胸腹部损伤患者的资料,经手术证实膈肌破裂128例,膈肌无破裂128例。对所有患者术前均行CT检查,观察CT征象包括膈肌连续性中断或膈肌部分未显示、领口征、腹腔内容物进入胸腔、腹部内脏依靠、膈肌移位、膈肌增厚,计算各征象诊断创伤性膈肌破裂的敏感度和特异度。结果 膈肌连续性中断或部分未显示诊断创伤性膈肌破裂的敏感度和特异度分别为75.00%（96/128）和93.75%（120/128）,领口征为84.37%（108/128）和98.43%（126/128）,腹腔内容物进入胸腔为78.13%（100/128）和98.43%（126/128）,腹部内脏依靠为76.56%（98/128）和99.21%（127/128）,膈肌移位为54.68%（70/128）和93.75%（120/128）,膈肌增厚为46.87%（60/128）和84.38%（108/128）。MSCT征象综合诊断的敏感度为92.18%（118/128）,特异度为100%（128/128）。结论 MSCT征象对创伤性膈肌破裂有较高的诊断价值。     

Traumatic perforation of the diaphragm

To ascertain our experience with traumatic perforations of the diaphragm, we reviewed the charts of 72 patients treated over a ten-year period. From January 1975 through June 1984, 58 male patients and 14 female patients, ranging in age from 6 to 72 years, were treated for traumatic perforations of the diaphragm. These injuries resulted from gunshot wounds in 44 patients (61%), stab wounds in 13 (18%), blunt trauma in 11 (15%), and shotgun wounds in four (6%). Seventy-three percent of the injuries were to the left hemidiaphragm, 26% to the right, and 1% to both. Signs and symptoms were unreliable for making the diagnosis of perforation. Diagnosis depended mainly on preoperative chest roentgenograms (especially for those caused by blunt trauma), thorough intraoperative exploration, and a high index of suspicion. Overall mortality was 7%, but death was usually more readily attributable to associated injuries than to the diaphragmatic injuries.     

胸腔镜在创伤性膈肌破裂中的临床应用

目的探讨电视胸腔镜对创伤性膈肌破裂的诊断和治疗价值。方法通过16例胸腹联合伤应用电视胸腔镜,发现创伤性膈肌破裂5例。经胸腔镜下修补膈肌破裂2例,在胸腔镜配合下剖腹修补膈肌破裂3例。结果5例创伤性膈肌破裂均得到及时诊断和正确处理,取得满意效果。结论胸腔镜检查对判定膈肌损伤的是准确、有效的方法。     

Laparoscopic repair of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with colon incarceration: A case report

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a serious complication of blunt trauma to the abdomen or thorax. Although traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is treated with surgical repair, a laparoscopic approach is infrequently employed. Here we present the case of a 66-year-old man with a bruise on the left side of his back. CT revealed a left pneumothorax and left rib fractures. He was urgently hospitalized and relieved with conservative treatment. However, on day 4 of hospitalization, an incarcerated diaphragmatic hernia containing the transverse colon was observed on CT. The herniated viscera of the abdominal cavity were reduced laparoscopically, and the hernial orifice was repaired with direct closure. One-lung ventilation was used to limit the movement of the affected diaphragm, enabling effective laparoscopic suturing. The patient had an uneventful recovery period and was discharged 8 days postoperatively. The absence of diaphragmatic herniation recurrence was confirmed 6 months after surgery.     

创伤性膈肌损伤50例诊治分析

目的探讨创伤性膈肌损伤的早期诊断与治疗方法。方法对2002年2月至2009年3月收治的50例创伤性膈肌损伤患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 50例患者均为闭合性损伤,其中交通事故伤23例,高处坠落伤19例,挤压伤8例;术前经X线检查明确诊断23例,经CT检查明确诊断20例,7例经剖胸或剖腹探查时确诊;伤后24 h内手术34例,24 h～48 h手术6例;术前给予抗休克治疗并同时紧急行手术治疗,经胸手术38例,胸腹联合切口手术10例,经腹手术2例。术后发生全身炎症反应综合征(SIRS)导致器官功能障碍综合征(MODS)死亡3例,其余47例手术治疗出院,随访疗效满意。结论早期采用胸部X射线、CT检查结合临床表现综合诊断创伤性膈肌损伤是可行的,及时和正确地给予手术治疗是救治的关键。     

Traumatic injuries of the diaphragm: overview of imaging findings and diagnosis

Injuries to the diaphragm muscle occur in penetrating and severe blunt trauma and can lead to delayed hernia formation. Computed tomography is the mainstay in the diagnosis of these injuries, which may be subtle at presentation. Imaging findings differ between blunt and penetrating trauma. Key features in blunt trauma include diaphragm fragment distraction and organ herniation because of increased intra-abdominal pressure. In penetrating trauma, herniation is uncommon, and the trajectory of the object is critical in making the diagnosis of diaphragm injury in these patients. Radiologists must keep a high index of suspicion for injury to the diaphragm in cases of trauma to the chest or abdomen.

     

Diaphragmatic rupture due to blunt trauma: morbidity and mortality in 42 cases

We present an analysis of 42 cases of acute rupture of the diaphragm by blunt trauma. There were 31 men (74%) and 11 women (26%); the mean age was 32.8 years +/- 2.4 SEM. At admission, hypovolemic shock was present in 45% of the cases, pelvic fracture in 36%, and severe respiratory distress in 21%. Diaphragmatic rupture was suggested before operation by unilateral elevation of the diaphragm, supradiaphragmatic densities, and displacement of abdominal organs into the thorax, as shown by chest films and GI series in 18 cases (43%). The left hemidiaphragm was injured in 24 cases (57%), the right in 15 (36%), and both sides in three (7%). Of the 17 patients (40%) found to have an abdominal organ in the thorax, 12 had had a left-sided rupture. Only four patients (10%) had solitary diaphragmatic injuries. Associated injuries (usually two or more) occurred in 38 cases (90%); they were abdominal in 34, musculoskeletal in 26, neurologic in 16, and thoracic in nine. The injuries were repaired through a celiotomy in 33 cases, by thoracotomy in six, and by separate celiotomy and thoracotomy in three. Postoperative complications occurred in 29 cases, the most common being pulmonary (18), systemic sepsis (six), and recurrent bleeding (three). There were 14 deaths, for a mortality of 33%. Seven were operative and due to massive hemorrhage; the late deaths were caused by systemic sepsis in five and neurologic trauma in two. We conclude that (1) diaphragmatic rupture after blunt trauma must be suspected when specific radiologic findings are present; (2) solitary diaphragmatic injuries seldom occur; (3) in most cases, morbidity or mortality is caused by the severity of the associated injuries; and (4) most diaphragmatic injuries can be repaired through a celiotomy, and all of them should be repaired to avoid the sequela of entrapment of abdominal organs in the thorax.     

Delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia simulating acute tension pneumothorax

The diagnosis of acute diaphragmatic injury is difficult to establish in the immediate postraumatic period. Patients with delayed diaphragmatic herniation frequently present months to years after the initial injury with manifestations of visceral incarceration, obstruction, ischemia from strangulation, or perforation. Patients with diaphragmatic herniation presenting with clinical tension pneumothorax are rare. We describe the case of a 23-year-old female who 16 weeks following a stab wound to the low chest presented with this clinical picture caused by herniation of abdominal viscera into the chest. A review of this entity and methods of discovery of delayed traumatic diaphragmatic herniation are described.     

Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm

Diaphragmatic rupture following trauma is often an associated and missed injury. The diagnosis is difficult, so is usually made intraoperatively. Twenty-one patients with traumatic rupture of the diaphragm (TRD) who presented between 1995 and 1998 were retrospectively analysed: 12 had penetrating injuries and nine had blunt injuries. Right-sided defects exceeded left (12 vs 9). Only seven patients had signs and symptoms directly referrable to rupture of the diaphragm. All patients were operated on through a midline laparotomy. Diaphragmatic hernia was seen in six patients (28.5%); 20 (95%) patients had concomitant injuries. The liver was the most commonly injured organ (10 patients). The aim of this study was to report our experiences with TRD and review the literature. We conclude that correct preoperative diagnosis of TRD needs a high index of suspicion. It can be diagnosed intraoperatively by explorative laparotomy. Most ruptures can be repaired by the abdominal approach.     

58例创伤性膈肌破裂的临床分析

目的:总结创伤性膈肌破裂的临床特点及诊治经验.方法:58例患者分为闭合伤组和穿透伤组,分析患者临床资料,并运用多种创伤评分法,进行损伤严重程度的评估.结果:闭合性膈肌破裂常并发全身多发伤,病情复杂,漏诊率(35.7%)及死亡率(21.4%)高;开放性损伤病情进展快,早期易出现失血性休克,但诊断较明确,预后好.比较两组的创伤评分,其中创伤严重度评分(ISS),改良创伤评分(RTS)及胸部简明创伤评分(AIS),两组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但闭合伤组患者的格拉斯哥昏迷评分(GCS)和腹部简明创伤评分(AIS)较低(P<0.05).结论:闭合性和开放性膈肌破裂在损伤机制、临床表现、诊断方法上存在明显的差异,临床上应针对损伤的不同类型,采取相应的诊断措施,提高救治率.而合理运用各种方法进行损伤严重度评分,有助于判断预后,评价救治水平.     

Bedside emergency ultrasonographic diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture in blunt abdominal trauma

Abdominal injury from significant blunt trauma can include injury to bowel, kidneys, liver, and spleen. In approximately 5% of all injuries one of the diaphragms is ruptured. Diaphragmatic rupture may not be easily detected and this can lead to significant morbidity and even mortality. Rupture may be suggested on chest X-ray film especially with abnormal nasogastric tube location but the accuracy of this method is modest only. Abdominal computed tomography is not accurate and magnetic resonance imaging, although very sensitive and specific, is not feasible in most trauma situations. Surgeons have often resorted to exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopy to make the diagnosis. Although not typically part of the basic Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma (FAST) examination, ultrasonographic diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture is possible with little added time to the examination. We present 3 cases of diaphragmatic rupture discovered shortly after the patients' arrival, on initial trauma evaluation with the FAST. A discussion of previous literature and ultrasound technique for diagnosis follows the cases.     

创伤性膈肌破裂的早期诊断与治疗(附31例报告)

目的　探讨创伤性膈肌破裂早期诊治的方法。方法　回顾性分析 31例创伤性膈肌破裂患者的临床资料。结果　本组病例致伤原因主要为胸腹部闭合性损伤 (71.3% ) ,31例均手术修补痊愈。早期诊断方法 :X线片平扫描 ,诊断性胸腔穿刺与腹部CT扫描及手术探查。对该病的早期诊断与治疗是决定病情转归的重要因素 ,延迟诊断与早期确诊相比 ,术后并发症增多 ,住院时间长。结论　早期确诊 ,及时手术修复和积极治疗合并伤是救治创伤性膈肌破裂的关键     

肾上腺钝性损伤的CT分析

目的：探讨腹部钝性伤所致肾上腺损伤的CT征象。方法：回顾分析15例因腹部钝伤而行CT检查示有肾上腺损伤的资料，其中男性13例，女性2例。9例行CT平扫及增强检查，6例平扫；11例行CT随访。结果：15例肾上腺损伤均为单侧性损伤并伴同侧胸腹部损伤，位于右侧11例（73％），左侧4例，1例伴肾上腺肿瘤。10例CT主要表现为肾上腺区类圆形或卵圆形血肿（67％），3例（20％）表现为伤侧肾上腺增粗，1例（7％）表现为肾上腺区较弥漫的出血，1例原有肾上腺肿瘤存在。10例（67％）肾上腺邻近脂肪内出血呈条束状或局限性密度增高影，3例（20％）后肾周间隙的出血表现为类似膈脚增厚改变。结论：肾上腺损伤右侧远多于左侧，常伴有同侧胸腹腔和腹膜后损伤，肾上腺血肿有时需与肾上腺原发肿瘤相鉴别，鉴别主要方法是随访及增强CT检查。     

创伤性膈肌破裂的诊断和治疗

目的：提高创伤性膈肌破裂的早期诊断及救治水平。方法：回顾总结1995年1月～2001年12月26例创伤性膈肌破裂。男23例、女3例。闭合性损伤15例、开放性损伤11例。多发伤25例，合并其它脏器部位损伤56处。伴有休克17例、腹膜炎15例、气胸8例、呼吸衰竭2例。术前确诊17例，术中探查发现9例。确诊时间24h内21例、1周内3例、2周内1例、半年内1例。手术经胸切口12例、经腹切口11例、胸腹联合切口3例。手术行疝回纳、修补膈肌裂口，并处理其他合并损伤。结果：治愈22例(84．6％)、死亡4例(15．4％)。分别死于重型颅脑外伤、严重肝破裂失血性休克、延误诊断后结肠绞窄所致MOF、脑外伤机械通气3个月后严重感染。结论：提高认识、正确运用辅助检查，有助于早期诊断。及时复苏、及早手术，正确处理其他合并伤是提高治愈率的关键。     

‘Pseudopneumothorax’—Hold that chest tube!

We report a case of herniation of abdominal contents into the left hemithorax in a patient with a history of vague left-sided thoracoabdominal trauma 18 days previous to admission and who also had a recent 1-week history of upper respiratory symptoms, including cough, and then presented with dyspnoea and fever for 3 days. There was no preceding cardiorespiratory pathology of note. We also discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis and management of blunt-traumatic diaphragmatic rupture.