Laparoscopic Repair of Chronic Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia using Biologic Mesh with Cholecystectomy for Intrathoracic Gallbladder

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diaphragmatic rupture is a serious complication of both blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma. In the acute setting, delay in diagnosis can lead to severe cardiovascular and respiratory compromise. Chronic cases can present years later with a plethora of clinical symptoms. Laparoscopic techniques are being increasingly utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias. METHOD: We describe a case of a 70-year-old female who presented with signs and symptoms of a small bowel obstruction. She was ultimately found to have an obstruction secondary to a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with an intrathoracic gallbladder and incarcerated small intestine. A cholecystectomy and diaphragmatic hernia repair were both performed laparoscopically. This case report presents an atypical cause of bowel obstruction and reviews the current literature on laparoscopic management of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is increasingly used in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias with good results.