Transabdominal approach in the surgical management of Morgagni hernia.
OBJECTIVE
Morgagni hernias are uncommon diaphragmatic hernias that are generally asymptomatic, and so far only limited data have been reported. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of patients presenting with a complicated Morgagni hernia and who undergo a transabdominal repair.


METHODS
Between September 1999 and October 2005, 11 patients with Morgagni hernia were operated on in our department. Eight of them had acute presentations because of a complicated Morgagni hernia. The patient demographics, presenting symptoms, operative approach, and complications were collected. The postoperative course was evaluated for morbidity and mortality.


RESULTS
The patients' ages ranged from 42 to 85 years (mean 69.4). Two (18.2%) patients were male and nine (81.8%) patients were female. Chest roentgenograms, computed tomography, and contrast meal studies were used as diagnostic utilities. A transabdominal approach was used for all patients. One patient died due to pulmonary failure. The mean follow-up was 2.8 years. There was no recurrence or symptoms regarding the operation in the remaining patients.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend the transabdominal approach in patients with Morgagni hernia as it makes it easy to reduce the hernia contents and repair of the hernia sac. Moreover, when complicated with strangulation, incarceration or perforation, a surgical repair through a transabdominal approach is mandatory.
Yilmaz
Mehmet
M
Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, 44069 Malatya, Turkey.
Isik
Burak
B
Coban
Sacit
S
Sogutlu
Gokhan
G
Ara
Cengiz
C
Kirimlioglu
Vedat
V
Yilmaz
Sezai
S
Kayaalp
Cuneyt
C
D034841:Abdominal Cavity; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006548:Hernia, Diaphragmatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed