Laparoscopic repair of a Bochdalek hernia with incarcerated bowel during pregnancy: report of a case

A Bochdalek hernia is a rare type of diaphragmatic defect, generally presenting in early childhood with acute signs of cardiorespiratory distress. We herein report a case of acute abdomen in a pregnant patient with pain increasing when lying on her right side. Laparoscopic evaluation revealed a right-sided Bochdalek hernia with incarcerated bowel. A successful reduction was possible, and laparoscopic repair appears to be a safe and feasible technique for the repair of these hernias.     

Laparoscopic reduction of an acute gastric volvulus and repair of a hernia of Bochdalek

We report a case of an acute strangulated gastric volvulus in a hernia of Bochdalek in an adult female patient that was repaired successfully via the laparoscopic approach. A left-sided diaphragmatic hernia contained a strangulated but viable gastric volvulus and a noncompromised colon. The contents of the hernia were reduced, and the 4-cm congenital diaphragmatic defect was primarily repaired with nonabsorbable sutures. The patient was discharged on the second postoperative day and remained symptom-free at 7 months. Unlike the very few previous reports of elective laparoscopic repair of uncomplicated Bochdalek hernias, this appears to be the first report of an urgent laparoscopic repair of a complicated hernia of this type.     

Laparoscopic repair of late-presenting Bochdalek hernia in 2 infants

Laparoscopic repair was performed on 2 infants with late-presenting Bochdalek hernia. Intraoperatively, the entire small intestine was herniated in 1 case and the stomach, small intestine, and part of the colon and spleen were herniated in the other case. Laparoscopic repair of Bochdalek hernia was successfully completed in both the cases. On the basis of our experience, 4 points seem important in laparoscopic surgery for Bochdalek hernia: (1) avoiding damage to the spleen while reducing organs back into the abdominal cavity; (2) ensuring visualization of diaphragmatic defect after reducing the spleen and intestinal tract; (3) ensuring sufficient width to suture the dorsal side of the diaphragm; and (4) identifying intestinal malrotation. We believe that the fourth point represents an advantage of a laparoscopic approach, which seems superior to the thoracoscopic approach and could represent a useful therapy for Bochdalek hernia in infants and older patients.     

Symptomatic Right-Sided Diaphragmatic Hernia in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Background:

Laparoscopic repair of incarcerated diaphragmatic hernias is widely recognized as both safe and effective. However, symptomatic diaphragmatic hernias encountered in the setting of pregnancy, while rare, present a significant surgical challenge. Furthermore, right-sided diaphragmatic hernias account for only 13% of cases. Here, we present a case in which a symptomatic, posterior right-sided diaphragmatic hernia, presenting in the later stages of pregnancy, was successfully repaired using a laparoscopic approach.

Methods:

Our patient is a 42-y-old gravid woman who, at 27 wk gestation, was admitted to the gynecology service with a 2-d history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, right shoulder pain, abdominal distension, and obstipation.

Results:

Computed tomography of the chest demonstrated an incarcerated right diaphragmatic hernia. Surgical consultation was obtained, and the patient was taken to the operating room urgently for repair. Intraoperatively, the cecum was reduced and the diaphragm repaired primarily using a laparoscopic approach. The patient recovered well and was discharged home on postoperative day 8 with no complications to the patient or the pregnancy.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic reduction and repair of symptomatic incarcerated diaphragmatic hernia can be safely performed in the third trimester of pregnancy.     

Laparoscopic repair of iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernias after sternectomy and pedicled omentoplasty

Purpose

During sternectomy and pedicled omental flap transposition for the treatment of deep sternal wound infections, an ectopic diaphragmatic aperture is created. This may be the site of an iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia, which may result in the herniation of intra-abdominal organs, and is difficult to repair. Although this complication was described as early as 1991, no effective treatment for this condition has been described previously.

Methods

The defect in poststernectomy diaphragmatic hernias has features similar to other incisional abdominal wall hernias, as well as to parastomal hernias and hiatal diaphragmatic hernias. We describe our laparoscopic approach developed from experience with these other types of hernias. We use an intraperitoneal flat mesh without keyhole. Fixation of the mesh to the anterior abdominal wall and to the diaphragm is done with a combination of sutures and spiral tackers. The omental pedicle is lateralised, fixed to the diaphragm and covered with the mesh. Special caution is needed when spiral tackers are applied to the diaphragm, because fatal complications of pericardial and cardiac injury have been described in laparoscopic hiatal diaphragmatic hernia repair.

Results

We used this technique in four patients who presented with a symptomatic poststernectomy diaphragmatic hernia. No procedure-related intra-operative or postoperative complications occurred. With a follow up of at least 12 months, no clinical or radiographic recurrence of diaphragmatic herniation has been encountered.

Conclusion

We describe a laparoscopic technique to repair this difficult diaphragmatic hernia used in four patients, with a good clinical and computed tomographic outcome at 12 months.     

Laparoscopic mesh repair of a diaphragmatic hernia of Bochdalek

The advent of minimally invasive surgery has facilitated the laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernias. One of the difficulties associated with long-standing Bochdalek or Morgagni hernias is that the herniated contents are often quite adherent to the diaphragmatic defect and require considerable dissection before the reduction of herniated organs. Ultrasonic dissection using a harmonic coagulation shears allowed safe, bloodless division of the long-standing adhesions, which is essential for atraumatic reduction of herniated thoracic contents. We herein report the successful laparoscopic mesh repair of a Bochdalek hernia in a 67-year-old man.     

Symptomatic Bochdalek Hernia in an Adult

Background and Objectives:

Bochdalek hernias are congenital diaphragmatic defects resulting from the failure of posterolateral diaphragmatic foramina to fuse in utero. Symptomatic Bochdalek hernias in adults are infrequent and may lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction or severe pulmonary disease. We describe our experience with this rare entity.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on a single patient for data collection purposes.

Results:

The patient is a morbidly obese 53-year-old female who presented with epigastric pain and diffuse abdominal tenderness. Computed tomography scans of the chest and abdomen revealed a small posterior diaphragmatic defect containing gastric fundal diverticulum. Laboratory work and imaging revealed no other findings. Laparoscopic repair of the Bochdalek hernia was done via an abdominal approach and utilized primary closure with an AlloDerm patch apposed to the defect. The patient has had significant clinical improvement and continues to do well at 9 months postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic repair of symptomatic adult Bochdalek hernias can be performed successfully and may result in significant clinical improvement.     

Laparoscopic repair of chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia using biologic mesh with cholecystectomy for intrathoracic gallbladder

Background and Objectives:

Diaphragmatic rupture is a serious complication of both blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma. In the acute setting, delay in diagnosis can lead to severe cardiovascular and respiratory compromise. Chronic cases can present years later with a plethora of clinical symptoms. Laparoscopic techniques are being increasingly utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias.

Method:

We describe a case of a 70-year-old female who presented with signs and symptoms of a small bowel obstruction. She was ultimately found to have an obstruction secondary to a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with an intrathoracic gallbladder and incarcerated small intestine. A cholecystectomy and diaphragmatic hernia repair were both performed laparoscopically. This case report presents an atypical cause of bowel obstruction and reviews the current literature on laparoscopic management of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias.

Results and Conclusion:

Laparoscopy is increasingly used in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias with good results.     

The right lateral position for laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair in pregnancy: technique and review of the literature

Maternal diaphragmatic hernia is a rare disorder of pregnancy. Laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernias is gaining more and more consideration among the surgical community. To date, only a few centers have reported using the laparoscopic approach for diaphragmatic hernias occurring in pregnancy. As congenital diaphragmatic hernias occur mostly on the left side, a right lateral position would theoretically facilitate the surgery and would render an eventual simultaneous left thoracoscopy feasible without repositioning the patient. However, such a position in a pregnant woman has serious implications because of possible inferior vena cava compression by the gravid uterus. We performed a laparoscopic reduction and repair of a left foramen of Bochdalek hernia in a 26-week-pregnant patient, using a right lateral position. The right lateral position facilitated the procedure, without any adverse outcome for the fetus or the mother. This approach should be considered for any left diaphragmatic hernia repair occurring in pregnancy.     

A case report of unexpected pathology within an incarcerated ventral hernia

IntroductionIncidence of hernial appendicitis is 0.008%, most frequently within inguinal and femoral hernias. Up to 2.5% of appendectomy patients are found to have Crohn’s disease. Elucidating the etiology of inflammation is essential for directing management.Presentation of caseA 51-year-old female with achondroplastic dwarfism, multiple cesarean sections, and subsequent massive incisional hernia, presented with ruptured appendicitis within her incarcerated hernia. She underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, appendectomy, intra-abdominal abscess drainage, and complete reduction of ventral hernia contents. She developed a nonhealing colocutaneous fistula, causing major disruptions to her daily life. She elected to undergo hernia repair with component separation for anticipated lack of domain secondary to her body habitus.Her operative course consisted of open abdominal exploration, adhesiolysis, colocutaneous fistula repair, ileocolic resection and anastomosis, and hernia repair with bioresorbable mesh. She tolerated the procedure well. Unexpectedly, ileocolic pathology demonstrated chronic active ileitis, diagnostic of Crohn’s disease.DiscussionOnly two cases of hernial Crohn’s appendicitis have been reported, both within Spigelian hernias. Appendiceal inflammation inside a hernia sac may be attributed to ischemia from extraluminal compression of the hernia neck. This case demonstrates a rare presentation of multiple concurrent surgical disease processes, each of which impact the patient’s treatment plan.ConclusionThis is the first report of incisional hernia appendicitis with nonhealing colocutaneous fistulas secondary to Crohn’s. It is a lesson in developing a differential diagnosis of an inflammatory process within an incarcerated hernia and management of the complications related to laparoscopic hernial appendectomy in a patient with undiagnosed Crohn’s disease.     

Adult right-sided Bochdalek hernia with ileo-cecal appendix: Almeida-Reis hernia

INTRODUCTIONBochdalek hernia is one of the most common congenital abnormalities manifested in infants. In the adult is a rarity, with a prevalence of 0.17–6% of all diaphragmatic hernias. Right-sided Bochdalek hernias containing colon are even more rare, with no case described in the literature with ileo-cecal appendix.PRESENTATION OF CASEThe authors present a case of a right-sided Bochdalek hernia in an adult female of 49 years old, presented with severe respiratory failure. During laparotomy for hernia correction, were found in an intrathoracic position the cecum and ileo-cecal appendix, the right colon and the transverse colon.DISCUSSIONAlthough useful in patient evaluation, clinical history and physical examination are not helpful in making diagnosis because of their nonspecific character. CT scan is the most accurate exam for making diagnosis. Most of the times there is no hernial sac. Surgery is the treatment of choice, and it is always indicated even if asymptomatic. In general suture of the defect is possible. Due to patient's weak respiratory function we chose laparotomy by Kocher incision.CONCLUSIONBeing the first case of a right-sided Bochdalek hernia in the adult with a herniated ileo-cecal appendix, we name it Almeida-Reis hernia.     

Laparoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernias

Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias are the least common congenital diaphragmatic hernias, with the prevalence of Bochdalek hernia being 1/2200 births and the prevalence of Morgagni hernia being 1/1 million births. Although they are usually asymptomatic, congenital diaphragmatic hernias, especially Bochdalek and Morgagni hernias, are diagnosed in early childhood. In adulthood, they are diagnosed incidentally or when they become symptomatic. The repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia is indicated in all children and symptomatic adults. We present three cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, two Morgagni and one Bochdalek hernias, repaired laparoscopically. We describe the operational methods. The results of the operations were satisfactory, with cure defined with radiological images after 1 month. We propose the use of laparoscopy in the repair procedure because it is a safe and effective method. Benefits include that it provides an excellent view of the surgical field, ease of execution, minimal surgical trauma, excellent cosmetic results, rapid recovery, and shorter hospitalization stay.     

Hand-assisted thoracoscopic repair of a Bochdalek hernia in an adult

BACKGROUND: Bochdalek hernias are congenital diaphragmatic hernias that are generally asymptomatic and often discovered incidentally. Surgical treatment is indicated once the diagnosis is made. These hernias have traditionally been repaired by open abdominal or thoracic approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A healthy 24-year-old male presented with an 8-month history of shortness of breath. The patient was noted to have a postero-lateral diaphragmatic hernia, with a 4 cm defect in the left hemidiaphragm seen with computed tomography scan. He underwent hand-assisted video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, in which the herniated omentum was reduced and the defect was repaired primarily and reinforced with Marlex mesh. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged home after a short hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for repair of Bochdalek hernias offers diagnostic as well as therapeutic advantages as it provides an excellent view of the surgical field, is easily executed, results in minimal surgical trauma, and has excellent cosmetic results and rapid recovery. We report a hand-assisted intracorporeal thoracoscopic repair to be a secure and satisfactory adjuvant to achieve the repair and conclude that thoracoscopic repair of the rare Bochdalek hernia is feasible.     

Additional mechanisms of hiatal hernia recurrence and its prevention

Summary The conventional hiatal hernia repair is a tension repair. Large defects such as those associated with an intrathoracic stomach can have a high rate of recurrence resulting in esophageal symptoms and in some instances gastric strangulation. Numerous additive procedures are used to secure the stomach in the abdominal cavity including mesh buttressing, fundoplication, anterior abdominal wall gastropexy and fundus diaphragmatic suture fixation. The optimal repair is unknown primarily because crura closure failure is poorly understood. A literature review was used to determine the proven causes of hiatal hernia recurrence. Early postoperative vomiting, surgeon inexperience, short esophagus and no crus closure are documented causes. In a series of 19 hiatal hernia recurrence repairs from our institution, additional causes such as suture pull-out and trauma have been established as additional mechanisms of recurrence. Increased intra-abdominal pressure associated with motor vehicle accidents was the precipitating factor in 2/19 patients. Suggested methods for prevention of hiatal disruption and resultant hernia are proposed which include: a postoperative antiemetic regimen, restricted activity in the early postoperative period, an assessment technique for the short esophagus when utilizing a laparoscopic approach, crus closure calibration and inclusion of the diaphragmatic fascia when performing hiatal closure for large paraesophageal hernias and the short esophagus.     

Thoracoscopic treatment of Bochdalek hernia in the adult: report of a case.

Bochdalek hernia is a type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia that mainly occurs in childhood, but is extremely rare in adults. A case report of Bochdalek hernia in a 17-year-old woman, complaining of left lateral upper abdominal pain is herein reported with a brief review of the literature. The herniated organs into the thoracic cavity in this case were the as stomach, large intestine, spleen and greater omentum which was diagnosed using computed tomography, an upper gastrointestinal double contrast study and irrigography. The patient was successfully treated by video-assisted thorachoscopic surgery (VATS) with a pushback method. The post-operating course was uneventful with minimal pain of the surgical wound. This case demonstrated the efficacy of the VATS repair for Bochdalek hernia.     

Bochdalek's diaphragmatic hernia in adults. Description of a clinical case]

Bochdalek's hernia is a congenital posterior diaphragmatic defect, resulting from persistence of the pleuroperitoneal canal of embryonic life. Bochdalek's hernias are rare occurrences in adult patients and they present commonly with digestive symptoms and need surgical therapy. This article describes a case of an 88-year-old female with symptomatic right Bochdalek defect containing intra-abdominal viscera with no hernial sac.     

Incarcerated Bochdalek hernia in an adult

Congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia (Bochdalek hernia) usually presents in the neonatal period with life-threatening cardiorespiratory distress. However, on rare occasion, Bochdalek hernias may remain silent until adulthood and present as a surgical emergency. This report describes a young man with acute abdominal pain and incarceration of the colon. Clinicians should keep this rare diagnosis in mind when evaluating an adult patient with acute abdominal pain for early diagnosis and improved outcome.     

Complicated Right-sided Bochdalek Hernia in an Adult

Bochdalek hernias on the right side of the diaphragm are very rarely diagnosed in adults. We report a case of a 52-year-old female patient, who presented to the emergency department with acute intestinal obstruction. Plain and cross-sectional imaging identified a large right-sided Bochdalek hernia containing small bowel loops and the right colon.

A laparoscopic approach was performed. The herniated intestinal loops and the right colon were reduced into the abdominal cavity. The diaphragmatic defect was closed using clips with reinforcement by a prosthetic polypropylene mesh. A mini median laparotomy was performed to ensure the viability of the bowel and a few stitches were inserted on superficial lesions of the serosa.

The recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged from the hospital 6 days after admission. Nine months later the patient is doing well.     

Hybrid method using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique for incarcerated inguinal hernia in a patient with liver cirrhosis and severe varicose veins: A case report

IntroductionCirrhosis is a significant determinant of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Patients with severe liver cirrhosis are substantially contraindicated for surgical treatment of inguinal hernia because of the substantial recurrence rate and high postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, hernia with incarceration and strangulation, which could become life-threatening, should be repaired urgently even for patients with severe liver cirrhosis. No clear surgical guidelines have been established regarding the treatment strategy for inguinal hernia in patients with cirrhosis.Presentation of caseA 62-year-old man with a history of chronic C-type liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh classification C) and hepatocellular carcinoma was referred to us for surgical treatment of an irreducible right inguinal hernia. An abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that the small intestine had herniated into the scrotum and severe abdominal wall varicose veins due to liver cirrhosis. We performed a hybrid method that combines examination laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique to observe the abdominal cavity and to avoid the risks due to severe varicosis of the inferior epigastric vein.DiscussionThere have been some reports of inguinal hernia with cirrhosis and ascites, but no reports of incarcerated inguinal hernia with abdominal wall varicose veins. In the present case, we chose a laparoscopic approach to observe the abdominal cavity to confirm intestinal necrosis. Hybrid surgery using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique for incarcerated inguinal hernia could be performed safely.ConclusionHybrid surgery using laparoscopy and Lichtenstein's technique may be an effective method for patients with incarcerated inguinal hernia with end-stage cirrhosis and severe abdominal varicosis.     

The advantage of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of Spigelian hernia: A report of two cases

Introduction and importanceThe usefulness of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of Spigelian hernias and the appropriate insufflation pressure remains unclear.Case presentationCase 1 involved an 81-year-old woman presented with a right abdominal protrusion. CT scan demonstrated a defect in the abdominal wall at the lateral edge of the right rectus abdominis muscle. We diagnosed as Spigelian hernia and performed laparoscopic hernia repair. The insufflation pressure was set at 10 cm H ₂ O, and the IPOM method was selected as the repair method. Case 2 involved a 74-year-old male presented with a right abdominal painful bulging. Strangulation was released and CT scan demonstrated a defect in the abdominal wall at the lateral edge of the right rectus abdominis muscle. We diagnosed as Spigelian hernia and performed laparoscopic hernia repair. The insufflation pressure was set at 10 cmH ₂ O, and the repair was performed by the hybrid method.Clinical discussionIn both cases, the positions of the hernia portals marked preoperatively based on the tender areas and confirmed laparoscopically were not accurate. Although Spigelian hernia is a rare disease and various laparoscopic techniques have been reported in recent years, laparoscopic surgery is very useful to obtain an accurate diagnosis and to observe the abdominal wall from inside the abdominal cavity under insufflation, and it is better to decide the repair method according to the situation of each case and institution.ConclusionLaparoscopic surgery is important for accurate diagnosis in surgery of Spiegel's hernia, and insufflation pressure of 10 cmH2O was sufficient.