Morgagni hernia presenting as constipation in the postsurgical patient: A case report

Abstract

In this case report, we discuss an 83-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with complaints of constipation and progressive abdominal pain 2 days after a right total knee arthroplasty. Chest X-ray indicated a possible hiatal hernia, but computed tomography revealed a Morgagni hernia with a portion of the transverse colon and omentum in the thoracic cavity, resulting in a large bowel obstruction. The more common presenting symptoms associated with Morgagni hernia, dyspnea, and chest pain were not present. Surgical management was pursued with a transabdominal approach, the bowel was successfully reduced and the defect was closed using sutures. This case provides an interesting insight into the many potential presentations and clinical signs of the rare Morgagni hernia.