Diaphragmatic Herniation Diagnosed at a Late Stage: an Evaluation of Eight Cases

Abstract

Background: In this study, we aimed to analyze patients with diaphragmatic hernias who had specific clinical features and interesting clinical, radiologic presentations, and had operated following late diagnosis. Methods: A total of eight diaphragmatic hernia cases, of whom three were adults and five were children (4 males, 4 females; mean age 12.4 +/- 24 years; range 9 months to 28 years), who were diagnosed in the late period and who were operated on in our clinic between January 2006 and August 2010 were evaluated retrospectively. In all patients, primary repair of the diaphragm was performed following laparotomy and thoracotomy. Results: The children were diagnosed following the neonatal period. Three patients were diagnosed in adulthood. Five patients had right-sided congenital Morgagni hernias, one patient had a hiatal hernia, and two patients had left-sided Bochdalek hernia. All patients were discharged between the 5th and 19th postoperative days. The average duration of hospital stay was 9.8 days (range 7 to 23 days). The follow-up time were between six months and two years, and no significant respiratory and gastrointestinal complaints were recorded. No morbidity was detected in three cases with Morgagni hernia. Conclusion: Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are pathologies which are seen in the neonatal period, and the diagnosis of these hernias can be difficult after this period. Mortality and morbidity rates are low in cases who are followed and treated in clinics by dedicated thoracic surgeon.