Diaphragmatic hernia
Osmak, L.; Cougard, P.
La Revue du Praticien 53(15): 1683-1687
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2640 PMID: 14689915 Document Number: 557476
A diaphragmatic hernia is the protrusion of abdominal contents into the thoracic cavity, via a hole in the diaphragm, which either presence or size is abnormal. Congenital hernias are rare and often diagnosed at birth. Adults are diagnosed accidentally. Symptoms can be digestive or respiratory, and the risk of volvulus calls for surgery. Diaphragmatic ruptures are seen more often, and are a consequence of violent thoraco-abdominal trauma, or penetrating wound. They should be treated surgically in emergency, but the operation can be delayed if they are not diagnosed at once. Videosurgery has been used more and more often recently to treat diaphragmatic hernias.