Incarceration of a diaphragmatic hernia complicated by a tension fecopneumothorax after left hemihepatectomy: Review of the literature and case report

Abstract

In a comprehensive review of the literature we illustrate standards and pitfalls in diagnostics and treatment of diaphragmatic hernia in emergency setting. While most diaphragmatic hernias are congenital or posttraumatic, reports of iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernias are increasing. As an incarcerated diaphragmatic hernia is easy to miss, a high index of suspicion is necessary. Our case illustrates, that delayed presentation or diagnosis may lead to severe complications and that complicated diaphragmatic hernia present a big surgical challenge. B Scholtes*; J Pochhammer; M Schäffer Department of Visceral, General and Thoracic Surgery, Marienhospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany