Laparoscopic repair of traumatic rupture of the left diaphragm cupola with prosthetic mesh

Abstract

We present the case of a 23-year-old patient who had a car accident with a steering wheel trauma 6 months previously. The patient complained of abdominal pain, getting easily tired, and breathing difficulties. A diagnosis of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia was established by a contrast radiographic examination. Laparoscopy confirmed a rupture of the left diaphragmatic cupola and prolapse of the stomach, small intestine, and colon in the left thoracic cavity. Laparoscopic repair of the diaphragm with polypropylene mesh was performed. The patient recovered rapidly and was discharged 72 h after the operation. The control radiographs and computed tomography (CT) contrast investigations showed no recurrence. The patient's preoperative complaints had resolved completely. The case is interesting because traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is sometimes difficult to diagnose. Its laparoscopic treatment is still a challenge for modern surgery, and there are not enough publications on the problem.