Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Case Report

A traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is caused as a result from blunt or penetrating trauma and occurs in about 5% of cases of severe blunt trauma to the trunk. Early diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is necessary to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with it. This case report describes the case of 18-year-old male who had an accidental fall from the tree and had a diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. On physical examination, upper abdomen is tender left hypochondrium is tender breath sounds over left half of chest are not heard, and bowel sounds are heard. Thorocoabdominal X-rays and computerized tomographic imaging have demonstrated multiple gas shadows in the left side of thorax with collapse of the left lung. Laparotomy and exploration revealed a diaphragmatic tear of size 15 cm with herniation of stomach, transverse colon, spleen, and omentum.