Blunt rupture of the right hemi-diaphragm with complete dislocation of the right hepatic lobe: report of a case

Abstract

We present herein a case of blunt rupture of the right hemidiaphragm occurring with complete intrathoracic dislocation of the right hepatic lobe in a polytraumatized patient. The initial chest X-ray was interpreted as right-sided hemothorax, and a thoracic drainage tube was accidentally placed into the liver. A computed tomography scan subsequently revealed diaphragmantic rupture with intrathoracic liver dislocation. It was possible to reposition the liver, and the extended dorsal diaphragmatic rupture was closed primarily through an abdominal approach. The problems associated with the diagnosis and operative treatment of fresh right-sided blunt traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures are discussed following this case report.