A Unique Presentation and Management of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Case Report

Document Type

Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access

Publication Date

5-9-2025

Abstract

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a well-documented and known complication of trauma however, there have been few reported cases of them presenting as tension fecopneumothorax. There also appears to be no prior documented cases of them being managed robotically. We discuss a 45-year-old male presenting at a community hospital with sepsis and epigastric pain 10 years after an MVC which resulted in TBI, left BKA and fractures of right ribs 9-11. Upon admission CT thorax discovered a right sided diaphragmatic hernia that contained colon without signs of strangulation. Several days after broad spectrum antibiotic treatment he developed significant tachypnea and pleuritic chest pain. A chest x-ray demonstrated a right sided hydro/pneumothorax with leftward tracheal deviation. A chest tube was placed with return of feculent drainage. CT thorax/abdomen/pelvis then demonstrated an intrathoracic colon perforation with a large pleural fluid collection. He was intubated and transferred to our surgical intensive care unit. He remained hemodynamically stable.

Comments

2025 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 9, 2025. Abstract 1757

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS