title: Delayed presentation of post-traumatic diaphragm rupture repaired by laparoscopy.
abstract: Diaphragmatic rupture is a serious but frequently missed condition that is potentially curable. While surgical management has classically been performed through open thoracotomy, a laparoscopic approach has been suggested as a preferable alternative. A man in his mid-50s presented with non-specific abdominal symptoms, 8 months after falling down some stairs. Diaphragmatic rupture was suspected after old rib fractures were noticed on an admitting chest radiograph. Further signs and symptoms presented following deterioration due to the unstable pathology. Prompt surgical treatment using laparoscopy was attempted with success and resulted in rapid and lasting improvement in symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK. jameshouston@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Houston
authors.forename: Rozh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jalil
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Isla
mesh_terms: D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D006549:Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012421:Rupture; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed