Laparoscopy in the management of diaphragmatic rupture due to blunt trauma

Abstract

Background: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture remains a diagnostic challenge often unrecognized until laparotomy in over 40% of patients and the diagnosis is delayed in a further 15%. This report describes four patients diagnosed at laparoscopy with a ruptured diaphragm.

Methods: One patient had a left diaphragmatic rupture amenable to laparoscopic repair in the emergency setting. Three patients underwent laparoscopy 2, 7 and 10 days after injury which revealed two right-sided and one extensive left-sided rupture, respectively; each required open repair.

Results: While laparoscopy is an excellent diagnostic tool, particularly in the delayed setting, repair is not possible for right-sided ruptures because of the liver bulk.

Conclusions: Thoracoscopy in the instance of delayed presentation may offer the best chance for minimal-access diagnosis and treatment when there is suspicion of a right-sided diaphragmatic rupture.