Delayed Traumatic Hernia Of Diaphragm And Pericardium Causing Deterioration During Weaning From The Mechanical Ventilation.

Diaphragmatic injuries are relatively rare and result from either blunt or penetrating trauma. Intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia (IPDH) hernia is a rare complication of diaphragmatic rupture, occurring in less than 1% of cases of diaphragmatic hernias (DH). IPDH presentation can range from being asymptomatic to having potentially fatal cardiac tamponade. This is a case of delayed traumatic hernia of diaphrgam and pericardium that resulted in deterioration during weaning from the mechanical ventilation. The patient underwent surgical repair for diaphragmatic hernia and reduction of pericardial contents through thoracic approach following which the patient was weaned successfully from the mechanical ventilation.