Traumatic intercostal hernia due to a nonpenetrating injury in a child.

Herniation of the lung is a recognized, though rare, complication of thoracotomy and penetrating chest injury. Closed chest injury is usually associated with rib fractures, laceration of the lung, and rupture of the diaphragm, bronchus, and aorta. It is unusual for the intercostal muscles to be ruptured in a closed chest injury. In this case, herniation of the lung may result.     

Soft right chest wall swelling simulating lipoma following motor vehicle accident: transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia. A case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION: Intercostal herniation of abdominal contents through a diaphragmatic defect is rare. We report a case of transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia secondary to blunt trauma, initially misdiagnosed as lipoma, later confirmed by CT scan. METHODS: We present a case of a 77-year-old who was involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustained a hand fracture. Later that year his wife noticed an egg-shaped soft swelling on his right chest wall. He was seen in the minor operative clinic, and a lipoma excision was attempted when it was found to be an intercostal hernia. Colon was seen in the hernial pouch. RESULTS: Anatomically, the chest wall is weak from the costochondral junction to the sternum because of lack of external intercostal muscle support, and from the costal angle posteriorly to the vertebrae because of lack of internal intercostal musculature. The integrity of the thoracic cage is disrupted by tears of the intercostal musculature between fractured ribs. This defect leads to separation of the ribs and development of a potential weakened space for hernia. This chest wall muscular weakness can occur anywhere and can be more pronounced if it occurs at anatomically weakened areas. In the presence of associated diaphragmatic rupture, there is herniation of abdominal viscera. The treatment includes immediate surgical repair either by abdominal or thoracoabdominal approach. CONCLUSIONS: A thorough physical examination may suggest the diagnosis, but confirmation by chest radiograph, CT scan, and sometimes by gastrointestinal contrast studies is often helpful for preoperative planning. A high index of suspicion for diaphragmatic injury or intercostal herniation during the initial evaluation, coupled with chest and abdominal diagnostic testing once the patient is stable, can avert undue delay in diagnosis and catastrophe from incarceration of a hernia.     

Laparoscopic repair of a rare acquired abdominal intercostal hernia

INTRODUCTIONAn acquired abdominal intercostal hernia (AIH) is a very rare and sporadically reported entity. Most cases of AIH are secondary to major trauma and the treatment of choice is surgical repair.PRESENTATION OF CASEWe present the case of a 58-year-old man who presented with a painless intercostal swelling, which started after previous penetrating trauma to the same area. Radiological assessment was done with CT scan and the hernia was repaired with a laparoscopic approach using mesh.DISCUSSIONAIH is a rare entity and trauma has an integral role in the pathophysiology. Surgical repair is the treatment of choice, however, due to the paucity of cases, there is no established method of choice for such repair. We present the first reported case in the Caribbean, which was repaired with the laparoscopic approach.CONCLUSIONAlthough AIH is a rare condition, the pathophysiology seems relatively straightforward and the use of CT scan is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. The laparoscopic approach, with all its established benefits, appears to be a safe and feasible option in its management.     

Late-onset congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A case report

INTRODUCTIONA Bochdalek hernia is a posterior congenital defect of the diaphragm, usually on the left hemidiafragm, caused by a lack of closure of the pleuroperitoneal canal between the eighth and tenth week of fetal life during the embryonic development. It typically presents in the neonatal period with severe respiratory failure.PRESENTATION OF CASEIn this paper we present a 35 year old man with a 5-year history of episodes of severe dyspnea who arrived to the emergency room, during his medical work-up we incidentally found an intrathoracic gastric bubble, a laparoscopy was performed, founding a necrotic stomach and for defect correction.DISCUSSIONThis pathology is infrequent in adults, among this age group, there are two different clinical presentations: asymptomatic patients who are diagnosed incidentally when abdominal organs are found in the thorax in a chest X-ray, and symptomatic patients due to side effects of incarceration, strangulation, hemorrhage and visceral perforation in the chest cavity.CONCLUSIONDiaphragmatic hernias are rare among adult population, and they are usually asymptomatic, in this case we presented a symptomatic patient, diagnosed with a chest X-ray and treated surgically. The surgical approach for the resolution of this pathology is variable and it depends on the presence and severity of visceral complications.     

Incisional intercostal hernia after a nephrectomy

The aim of the present case report is to present the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge of intercostal incisional hernia. We report on a female patient with leftsided intercostal incisional hernia between the eleventh and twelfth rib due to preceding lumbar incision for tumor nephrectomy. Because of its infrequence, diagnosis was established late although simple clinical examination and ultrasound investigation displayed the hernia. At laparotomy, a 5×5 cm² fascial defect with a colonic sliding hernia was found. Hernia repair using permanent mesh reinforcement in the retromuscular position is described. Abdominal incisional hernia in the intercostal region is rare and therefore easily overlooked. As with other incisional hernias, the hernia repair using mesh implantation in the retromuscular region is technically feasible and represents the treatment of choice.     

Bilateral congenital anterior diaphragmatic hernia: a case report

The anteromedial diaphragmatic hernias of Morgagni and Larrey are the least common defects that occur in this organ. Simultaneous occurrence has been described but remains an absolute rarity. We herein present a case of this bilateral herniation with a unique presentation. The paper refers to the basic anatomic, diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for this entity.     

Laparoscopic repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with prosthesis: a case report

We report here our experience in the treatment of a large congenital diaphragmatic hernia, an uncommon pathology, approachable by laparoscopy. The patient was a 33-year-old woman with trisomy 21 syndrome, who only complained of colicky abdominal pain and a cough for 7 months before the hospitalization. Thoracic and abdominal CT scans showed a large anteromedial diaphragmatic hernia with slippage of the colon into the mediastinum and posterior displacement of the cardiovascular structures. The patient underwent laparoscopic repair of the hernia. The colon was put back in the abdomen; the defect (8×4 cm) was repaired by a Composix mesh (PTFE-polypropylene), fixed to the diaphragm by nonabsorbable stitches and staples. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. The postoperative course was uneventful. Follow-up at 18 months didn't show any complications or recurrence. We believe laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernia to be the elective surgical choice, because of its technical feasibility and certain intra- and postoperative advantages. Electronic Publication     

Recurrent paraesophageal hernia due to diaphragm rupture: a case report

A 58-year-old male patient was operated for complaints of dysphagia, anemia and retrosternal discomfort due to a type II hiatal hernia. A complete hernia sac excision and posterior crural repair was performed laparoscopically with support of the da Vinci™ robotic system. An antireflux procedure was not performed because of the absence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Nine months after surgery the patient presented with recurrent complaints of dysphagia and retrosternal pain. Barium esophagram series revealed a recurrent paraesophageal hernia which was confirmed on esophagogastroscopy. A robot-assisted re-laparoscopy was performed. Left to the still intact hiatoplasty of the original operation a tear in the diaphragm, through which part of the stomach covered with peritoneum had herniated, was encountered. The hernia sac was excised, the diaphragmatic defect closed and reinforced with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene strip of 5×8 cm. After surgery the patient recovered quickly, oral intake was resumed on the first postoperative day and the hospital stay was 3 days. The use of prosthetic mesh to reinforce the hiatoplasty and the addition of an antireflux procedure after hiatal hernia repair are ongoing controversial aspects of hiatal hernia repair. Reports on laparoscopic redo surgery for recurrent diaphragmatic hernia are limited and will be addressed in this case report, in perspective of the aforementioned controversial components.     

Intercostal hernia and spontaneous pneumothorax in a liver transplant recipient: a case report

Intercostal hernia can occur after blunt trauma and can also complicate thoracotomy. This report describes a 13-year-old liver transplant recipient with chronic asymptomatic intercostal hernia at site of thoracotomy. This hernia became manifest upon development of spontaneous pneumothorax. She presented with pleuritic pain and radiographic evidence of spontaneous pneumothorax. Her history included liver transplantation at age 19 months for tyrosinemia, posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder at age 7 years with thoracotomy for lung biopsy, and prolonged corticosteroid administration. Examination and computed tomography revealed an intercostal hernia. She underwent repair of hernia, stapled resection of apical blebs, and pleurodesis. Reconstruction of chest wall involved rib fracture and intercostal approximation with nonabsorbable sutures covered by serratus muscle advancement. She is symptom free with intact repair 2 years and 9 months after surgery and is able to participate in vigorous physical activity. This is the first report of an intercostal hernia detected upon development of spontaneous pneumothorax. The hernia occurred at the site of a prior thoracotomy, possibly because of impaired healing from corticosteroid administration. This case suggests that nonabsorbable sutures should be used for intercostal approximation after thoracotomy in patients with impaired wound healing.     

Laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni-Larrey hernia: report of three cases

Morgagni-Larrey hernia is a rare type of diaphragmatic hernia, the diagnosis of which is made incidentally by routine chest X-ray film. We describe a technique for the laparoscopic repair of Morgagni-Larrey hernia which was successfully performed in three adult patients; two women and one man. Two of the patients were asymptomatic and had herniation of only omentum into the right hemithorax; however, one was symptomatic and had herniation of the omentum and large bowel. Tension-free closure of the defects was done using Prolene mesh with a hernia stapler, helical fastener, and Endostitch. There were no early complications and the patients were discharged on the fourth postoperative day. The mean follow-up period was 41 months, and there has been no late morbidity or mortality related to this procedure. Using a laparoscopic approach to repair a Morgagni-Larrey hernia provides an excellent view of the surgical field and allows easy manipulation with minimal surgical trauma, followed by rapid recovery of the patient. Received: May 9, 2001 / Accepted: March 5, 2002     

创伤性膈疝的诊断和治疗

目的 总结创伤性膈疝的诊治经验。方法 回顾性分析自１９７２年１月至１９９８年８月４家医院收治的８５例创伤性膈疝,其发生原因为穿透性损伤４３例,闭合性损伤４２例,９５．３％的病人合并其它脏器损伤。手术治疗采用剖胸术１１例,剖腹术７２例,剖腹后剖胸术２例。结果 术前确诊５８例,全组治愈７８例,死亡７例,病死率８．２％。     

Surgical treatment of intercostal hernia with implantation of polypropylene mesh

The intercostal hernia of the lung is a very rare extraordinary disease that requires operation because of the complaints and potential complications. The authors review cases of their operations and analyze the subsequence and treatment. Three patients have been treated for intercostal lung hernia in our treatment. The causes of this disease were a previous thoracotomy in one case and fits of coughing in the other two cases. The diagnosis was set up on the grounds of the specific clinical symptoms, thoracic X-ray and CT scan. The hernia was dissolved with percostal stitches and with the suture of the thoracic musculature in two cases. Plastic operation of the thoracic wall by implanting a polypropylene surgical mesh (Prolen, Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson) was performed in the case of the third patient and later in the first two patients due to recrudescence. In one case the authors were constrained to resect the dystelectasial lung in the hernial sac. The three patients had been operated five times. Relapse of hernia was detected in two patients, in whom the intercostal space had been reconstructed with percostal stitches. We did not detect any relapsing in those two patients at 33 and 66 months after the second operation with mesh implantation. The third patient who got mesh implant immediately did not relapse 12 months after the operation. Intercostal lung hernia is an indication of operation. A plastic operation of the thoracic wall combined with the implantation of a surgical mesh is recommended to close the hernial orifice, which is suitable for treating both primary and relapsed hernias. Recurrence is rare in those patients treated with this method.     

Right-sided Bochdalek hernia obstructing in an adult: case report and review of the literature

Bochdalek hernias on the right side of the diaphragm are very rarely diagnosed in adults. We review a case of a 35-year-old female who presented acutely with intestinal obstruction. Plain and cross-sectional imaging identified a large right-sided Bochdalek hernia, containing colon, causing a mechanical obstruction and, surprisingly, concurrent appendicitis. The patient underwent an emergency laparotomy. At surgery the colon was reduced and was viable. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired using non-absorbable sutures and an appendicectomy was then performed for purulent appendicitis. She made an uneventful recovery and remains well at 9-month follow-up. We discuss what we believe to be the first reported case of an obstructed right-sided Bochdalek’s hernia associated with appendicitis in an adult and review the published literature on this rare condition.     

Delayed traumatic diaphragmatic hernia after open splenectomy: Report of a case

A 50-year-old man experienced sudden chest pain radiating into his left shoulder about 16 months after undergoing an open splenectomy for malignant splenic lymphoma. As the patient did not respond to conservative therapy, he was transferred to our hospital. Computed tomography of the chest showed that the upper stomach had herniated into the thoracic cavity. Emergency surgery revealed that the hernial sac was partially torn and open to the thoracic cavity. We sutured the hernial orifice closed and performed Dor fundoplication. Although sporadic reports on this type of hernia following laparoscopic surgery have been reported, delayed diaphragmatic hernia following open splenectomy is rare.     

Hemoperitoneum following inguinal hernia repair: a case report

Traditional inguinal herniorrhaphy continues to be one of the most common surgeries performed in the USA today. The procedure has developed into a straightforward, ambulatory procedure with postoperative complications being very rare. We describe the first report in the literature of the serious complication of hemoperitoneum after open inguinal hernia repair attributed to injury of the artery of Sampson.     

Transmesosigmoid hernia: report of a case

Sigmoid mesocolon hernia is an uncommon type of internal hernia. A 63-year-old man who presented with pain in the left side of the abdomen and nausea was referred to our department for treatment of ileus. He was initially managed conservatively, but as his symptoms became progressively worse, a laparoscopy was done, which revealed hemorrhagic ascites and necrosis of the small intestine in the lower abdomen. An open laparotomy was subsequently performed and the intraoperative findings were consistent with a transmesosigmoid hernia. There was an abnormal defect in the sigmoid mesocolon and protrusion of about 30 cm of small bowel through this abnormal opening, which had resulted in strangulation of the bowel. The necrosed part of the intestine was resected and the defect was closed. Received: November 9, 2001 / Accepted: May 7, 2002 Reprint requests to: T. Sasaki     

An unusual penetrating shoulder injury: a case report

Abstract A 32-year-old male sustained penetrating injury of the right shoulder with an angled iron rod in a road side accident. He presented with the rod in situ in his shoulder. Fortunately there was no neurovascular deficit. The metal rod was carefully removed with success, after cutting the rod with hacksaw to avoid neurovascular damage during removal.     

右侧肝膈疝合并肺内异位肝一例并文献复习

目的探讨肝膈疝合并肺内异位肝的诊疗方案。 方法回顾性分析1例右侧肝膈疝合并肺内异位肝患者的临床表现、影像学特征、手术治疗方案及病理，对异位肝进行相关的探讨及文献复习。 结果患者接受胸腔镜肺楔形切除术＋膈疝修补术，术中发现右肺下叶肿物，与疝入胸腔组织不连续。病理结果提示为异位肝组织。患者术后一年复查胸部CT未见异常，随访无特殊不适。 结论异位肝在临床上极为少见，病例结合相关文献复习，以提高对该病的认识，且腔镜微创手术不仅直观观察，也可直接切除明确诊断且治愈该病。     

创伤性膈疝26例诊治分析

目的 总结创伤性膈疝的诊治经验。方法 回顾性分析26例创伤性膈疝临床资料,其中开放性损伤7例,闭合性损伤19例。92.3％(24/26)的病人合并其它脏器损伤。手术采用剖腹术16例,剖胸术6例,胸腹联合切口4例。结果 术前确诊19例(73.1％),治愈24例,死亡2例。结论 创伤性膈疝一经确诊应尽早手术治疗。胸部X线检查最具诊断价值。早期诊断、尽早手术修补膈肌裂口,及时、正确地处理合并脏器伤是提高治愈率的关键。     

Left congenital diaphragmatic hernia, absent pericardium, and liver heterotopia: a case report and review

A case of a left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), absent pericardium, and a hernial sac containing ectopic liver tissue is presented. This triplicate of defects is exceedingly rare with only 2 previous reports in the literature dating back to 1936. This case supports the evidence that CDH is the result of failure of the closure of the pleuroperitoneal canals by the growth of the posthepatic mesenchymal plate. Moreover, the role of the phrenic nerve as a mediator for both CDH and absent pericardium is discussed.