The role of laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of missed diaphragmatic rupture.
BACKGROUND
Diaphragmatic rupture is one of the most commonly missed injuries in trauma cases. Traditionally, laparotomy or thoracotomy has been the treatment of choice for this condition.


METHODS
During the last 2 years, we treated three patients laparoscopically to address neglected diaphragmatic ruptures that caused herniation of the intraabdominal contents.


RESULTS
In all three cases, laparoscopy succeeded in identifying the diaphragmatic defect, so that the herniated viscera could be released and the defect repaired primarily or with a prosthesis. The intraoperative and the postoperative courses were uneventful; there were no significant complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopy has an important role in the surgical treatment of missed diaphragmatic ruptures.
Matz
A
A
Department of Surgery B, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, P.O.B. 5, Holon 58100, Israel.
Landau
O
O
Alis
M
M
Charuzi
I
I
Kyzer
S
S
D000368:Aged; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006549:Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012421:Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D016896:Treatment Outcome