Laparoscopic mesh repair of parahiatal hernia: A case report

We report a case of a primary parahiatal hernia that was repaired laparoscopically with a composite mesh. A 51‐year‐old woman presented with vomiting and epigastric pain. CT scan showed a giant paraesophageal hernia with intrathoracic gastric volvulus. Intraoperatively, a diaphragmatic muscular defect was found lateral to an attenuated left crus of the diaphragm, distinct from the normal esophageal hiatus. The defect ring was fibrotic, making a tension‐free primary repair difficult. A laparoscopic mesh repair was performed with a composite mesh, which was covered with the hernia sac to prevent potential erosion into the esophagus or stomach. Recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the 5 days postoperatively. She remained asymptomatic at subsequent follow‐up. Laparoscopic repair of parahiatal hernia can be safely performed. In circumstances where a large or fibrotic defect prevents a tension‐free primary repair, the use of a composite mesh can provide effective repair of the hernia.     

Gastric volvulus with a large bochdalek hernia in an adult successfully treated with emergency endoscopic reduction followed by elective laparoscopic mesh repair: A case study

We report a case of gastric volvulus with a large Bochdalek hernia successfully treated with emergency endoscopic reduction followed by elective laparoscopic mesh repair. The patient was a 71‐year‐old woman with no history of trauma. She was referred to our hospital because of nausea and vomiting after eating. Thoracic and abdominal CT showed gastric volvulus and a large Bochdalek hernia. The patient underwent emergency endoscopic reduction and elective laparoscopic surgery. The defect (10 × 12 cm) was reinforced with a Dual Mesh (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) and fixed to the diaphragm with nonabsorbable sutures. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no complications or recurrence was found at the 2‐year follow‐up. The endoscopic reduction and elective laparoscopic procedure was performed successfully and resulted in significant clinical improvement in this case.     

Gastric volvulus and giant Bochdalek hernia in an adult patient that were safely repaired by endoscopic reduction and elective laparoscopic surgery

A Bochdalek hernia (BH) is a congenital abnormality with incomplete closure of the diaphragm. It is usually manifested in infants but rarely in adults. Here, we report an adult patient with gastric volvulus and giant BH that were safely repaired by endoscopic reduction and elective laparoscopic surgery, respectively. A 79-year-old woman presented with left upper abdominal pain but no history of trauma. CT revealed a giant BH with gastric volvulus. After emergency endoscopic reduction of the volvulus, elective laparoscopic repair of the BH was performed. The 8 × 8-cm defect was repaired with interrupted nonabsorbable sutures and a mesh. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and no complications or recurrence were observed in the 6 months that followed.     

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.     

Usefulness of Ultrasound in Evaluating the Diaphragm in Neonates and Infants With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias

This report describes the evaluations of 2 patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernias using ultrasound (US). Identifying the size of the diaphragmatic defect is important when determining the type of surgical repair required. In case 1, the US evaluation of a Bochdalek hernia showed the rim of the anterolateral diaphragm; therefore, thoracoscopic primary repair was performed. In case 2, (Morgagni‐Larrey hernia), US revealed the left side of a retrosternal diaphragmatic hernia sac; therefore, thoracoscopic repair from the left thorax was performed. Ultrasound was useful for detecting the location and defect size of the diaphragmatic hernia and determining optimal surgical management.     

Gastric volvulus associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, wandering spleen, and intrathoracic left kidney: CT findings

We present an unusual case of gastric volvulus associated with wandering spleen, a delayed manifestation of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and left intrathoracic kidney. Gastric volvulus should be considered in any infant with unexplained vomiting and left diaphragmatic anomaly: in these patients, developmental disorders of the peritoneal visceral attachments of the left upper abdomen may coexist. The absence of ligamentous connections between the stomach, posterior abdominal wall, and spleen result in wandering spleen. We emphasize prompt surgical therapy to avoid gastric and splenic necrosis. Radiologic findings and the appearance of this complex congenital malformation are reported. Received: 18 August 2000/Accepted: 20 September 2000     

Thoracoscopic repair for late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia with thoracic kidney in a child

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with a hernia sac and thoracic kidney is a very rare congenital anomaly. Recently, the usefulness of endoscopic surgery for CDH has been reported. We herein report a patient who underwent thoracoscopic repair of CDH with a hernia sac and thoracic kidney. A 7-year-old boy was referred to our hospital due to a diagnosis of CDH without clinical symptoms. Computed tomography showed herniation of the intestine into the left thorax and left-sided thoracic kidney. The key points of operation are resection of the hernia sac and identification of the suturable diaphragm under the presence of the thoracic kidney. In the present case, after repositioning the kidney to the subdiaphragmatic area completely, the border of the diaphragmatic rim was clearly visualized. Good visibility allowed resection of the hernia sac without damaging the phrenic nerve and closure of the diaphragmatic defect.     

A case of diaphragmatic hernia incarceration after a heart transplant operation

We report a case of a diaphragmatic hernia after a heart transplant operation. A 43-year-old woman, who underwent orthotropic heart transplantation for hypertrophic cadiomyopathy two year earlier, presented with vomiting and epigastric pain. A computed tomography scan showed that the stomach and transverse colon were dislocated in the left thoracic cavity. We diagnosed left diaphragmatic hernia incarceration and performed laparoscopic repair of the diaphragmatic hernia. A 12 × 8 cm diaphragmatic defect was found intraoperatively on the ventrolateral aspect of the left diaphragm, and the stomach with volvulus had herniated into the thorax through the defect. The hernia was considered to be iatrogenic. The diaphragmatic defect was large, and the diaphragm was thinning. We closed the defect by mesh repair. Laparoscopic mesh repair of the diaphragmatic hernia could be performed safely and with minimal invasiveness.     

Adult right-sided Bochdalek hernia facilitated by coexistent hepatic hypoplasia

An adult case of right-sided Bochdalek hernia complicating intrathoracic intestinal strangulation is presented. Formation of this rare right-sided diaphragmatic hernia was facilitated by coexistent hypoplasia of the medial segment of left hepatic lobe. Computed tomography showed characteristic findings such as dilated small intestine with convergence of mesenteric folds in the thorax, which was highly diagnostic of intestinal strangulation due to diaphragmatic hernia.     

Adult Bochdalek hernia following living donor left hepatectomy repaired by thoracoscopy-assisted surgery: A case report

Bochdalek hernia is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (DH). Herein, we report a case of adult Bochdalek hernia following living donor hepatectomy repaired by thoracoscopy-assisted surgery. A 36-year-old man underwent living donor left hepatectomy. Four months later, the patient presented with acute epigastric pain. Computed tomography found the left-sided DH in which the stomach was incarcerated into the pleural cavity without ischemic changes. As endoscopic intervention was unsuccessful, the herniated stomach was repositioned by thoracoscopy-assisted surgery. The 3-cm hernia orifice was found to have a smooth edge with no hernia sac, suggesting Bochdalek hernia, and the defect was primarily closed. The patient was followed up for 20 months without hernia recurrence. This is the first presentation of a case of Bochdalek hernia following donor hepatectomy. In cases of early detected DH, primary repair via a transthoracic approach with thoracoscopy-assisted surgery is safe and feasible.     

Spleen Behind the Heart Complicates Lung‐to‐Head Ratio Measurement in Left‐Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

In fetuses with left‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intrathoracic herniation of the spleen is a common occurrence. The herniated spleen can reside posterior to the left atrium of the heart in the right hemithorax and is increasingly differentiated from the lung with the use of newer sonographic equipment. Estimation of the neonatal prognosis relies on accurate measurement of fetal lung size, particularly with commonly used measurements such as the lung‐to‐head ratio. Here we describe how herniation of the spleen behind the heart can complicate measurement of the lung‐to‐head ratio on sonography and lead to overestimation, with implications for perinatal prognostication and management.     

Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hernia with organo‐axial intrathoracic gastric volvulus

Intrathoracic organo‐axial gastric volvulus is a rare clinical entity associated with paraesophageal hernia. It is characterized by migration of the stomach into the thoracic cavity through an enlarged hiatal defect and rotation around its long axis connecting the cardia and the pylorus. A 72‐year‐old woman presented with epigastric pain that radiated to the left scapula for 1 week prior to presentation. Computed tomography scan of her thorax and abdomen demonstrated paraoesophageal hernia with organo‐axial intrathoracic gastric volvulus. Laparoscopically, the stomach was returned to its abdominal position, the mediastinal sac was excised and after adequate intra‐abdominal length of the esophagus was attained, the hiatal defect was closed primarily and reinforced with a composite mesh. An anterior 180° partial fundoplication was performed as both an anti‐reflux procedure and also as a form of gastropexy. She had an uneventful recovery and remains well after 2 years.     

Giant left‐sided inguinoscrotal hernia containing the cecum and appendix (giant left‐sided Amyand's hernia)

The present case involved a 62‐year‐old male with a large left‐sided inguinoscrotal hernia. A CT scan and a clinical examination led to a diagnosis of a giant left‐sided Amyand's hernia. The hernia was repaired using the ULTRAPRO Hernia System (UHS), and the patient exhibited an uneventful postoperative course.     

Laparoscopic mesh repair of a Morgagni hernia using the double‐crown technique: A case study

We report a case of Morgagni hernia in which the patient underwent laparoscopic mesh repair. A 65‐year‐old woman presented with an abnormal shadow in the right lower lung field on a routine medical checkup. CT showed that the transverse colon passed between the liver and abdominal wall, and herniated into the thoracic cavity. Simple closure was precluded by the large hernial orifice. We therefore performed laparoscopic repair using a Parietex Optimized Composite Mesh. The double‐crown technique was used to fix the margin of the mesh to the region around the hernial orifice. Our procedure for repair of a Morgagni hernia with a large hernial orifice is safe and minimally invasive, and it may effectively prevent recurrence.     

Laparoscopic orchidopexy with transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair in an adult

We report an adult who underwent laparoscopic orchidopexy and transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair. The patient was a 53‐year‐old man who was referred to our hospital for a bulge and pain in his left inguinal area. An abdominal CT scan revealed that the greater omentum was incarcerated in a left inguinal hernia. The patient underwent emergency laparoscopic surgery immediately. After reduction, he was diagnosed with bilateral cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia. After adequate mobilization, pneumoperitoneum was discontinued, and orchidopexy was performed with the Lichtenstein tension‐free hernioplasty. One month later, the patient underwent elective laparoscopic orchidopexy with transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair on his right side. The patient's postoperative course has been uneventful, with no evidence of hernia recurrence to date. This procedure is safe and may be an option for adult patients who desire testis preservation. This may be the first report of laparoscopic hernia repair with orchidopexy.     

Laparoscopic repair of a Bochdalek hernia in an adult woman

Bochdalek hernia (BH) is a congenital defect of the diaphragm that usually presents in the neonatal period with life threatening cardiorespiratory distress. It is rare for BH to remain silent until adulthood. A 51‐year‐old woman presented with progressive dyspnea and abdominal symptoms, but without a history of trauma. The diagnosis of BH was made based on chest X‐ray and CT. The hernia was repaired by the laparoscopic technique, and the patient made an uneventful recovery. This report validates the feasibility of laparoscopic repair of BH in an adult, which should be within the capability of an advanced laparoscopic surgeon.     

Prenatal findings of concomitant duodenal and esophageal atresia without tracheoesophageal fistula (Gross type A)

Prenatal diagnosis of concomitant duodenal atresia (DA) and esophageal atresia (EA) without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) (Gross type A) is very rare. We describe prenatal findings of one such case. Sonographic examination of a 26‐week fetus showed a double cystic structure and an intrathoracic cyst. MRI and ultrasound at 26 weeks and 2 days' gestation showed shrinkage of the stomach and duodenum, massive ascites, and the presence of dilated pouch‐like structure in the thoracic inlet level, consistent with an upper pouch sign. Polyhydramnios was detected at 30 weeks' gestation. Prenatal diagnosis was concomitant DA and an intrathoracic anomaly such as congenital hiatal hernia, diaphragmatic hernia, esophageal duplication or EA. A boy was delivered at 38 weeks' gestation. Physical examination showed a markedly distended abdomen and imperforate anus. Emergency surgery revealed existing DA and EA without TEF (Gross type A). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009     

Sonographic findings of a Bochdalek hernia: the importance of ring-down artifacts

Bochdalek hernia is the most common congenital diaphragmatic hernia. It may be incidentally identified on CT. We report the sonographic findings in a case of Bochdalek hernia, which showed ring-down artifact posterior to the herniated intra-abdominal fat.     

Case of chronic pain after laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure in an adolescent girl with inguinal hernia in which open repair was effective

Chronic pain after laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure is very rare. Here, we report a case of chronic pain after laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure in an adolescent patient with inguinal hernia who underwent open repair. A 15‐year‐old girl was diagnosed with a left indirect inguinal hernia, and laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure was performed. However, 6 months later, after strenuous exercise, she developed localized pain around the hernia site. Her pain was well controlled by internal treatment but failed to completely resolve. The pain type was somatic, Tinel's sign was negative, and there was no recurrence of the inguinal hernia. Because she strongly wished to undergo surgery, the Potts procedure with removal of the ligature and excision of the round ligament was performed. Her pain improved after surgery, and further medical treatment was not required. The Potts procedure may be an effective treatment for chronic pain such as in this case.     

Recurrent abdominal pain due to small bowel volvulus after transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUNDCompared with open mesh repair, transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernioplasty results in less chronic postoperative inguinal pain and faster postoperative recovery. However, it may still lead to rare but serious complications. Here we report a case of intestinal volvulus with recurrent abdominal pain as the only clinical symptom, which occurred 3 mo after TAPP repair for bilateral inguinal hernia.CASE SUMMARYA 50-year-old male patient underwent laparoscopic TAPP for bilateral inguinal hernias. After the operation, he experienced recurring pain in his lower right abdomen around the surgical area, which was relieved after symptomatic treatment. Three months after the surgery, the abdominal pain became severe and was aggravated over time. The whirlpool sign of the mesentery was seen on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Laparoscopic exploration confirmed that a barb of the V-Loc™ suture penetrated the peritoneum, which caused the adhesion of the small intestinal wall to the site of peritoneal injury, forming intestinal volvulus. Since there was no closed-loop obstruction or intestinal ischemia, recurrent abdominal pain became the only clinical manifestation in this case. After laparoscopic lysis of adhesions and reduction of intestinal volvulus, the patient recovered and was discharged.CONCLUSIONThe possibility of intestinal volvulus should be considered in patients who experience recurrent abdominal pain following TAPP surgery during which barbed V-Loc sutures are used for closing the peritoneum. Contrast-enhanced CT and active laparoscopic exploration can confirm the diagnosis and prevent serious complications.