Laparoscopic repair of an excessive Morgagni hernia in an adult presenting as upside-down stomach

INTRODUCTION: Morgagni hernia is defined as the intrathoracic protrusion of abdominal viscera through a defect in the anterior diaphragm. It represents an uncommon type of diaphragmatic congenital hernia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old female patient was admitted in our department due to progressive epigastric discomfort for the past four months. A preoperative diagnosis of a paraesophageal hernia was set through computer tomography, with gastric portions and parts of small bowel protruding inside the thoracic cavity. Intraoperatively, an excessive diaphragmatic defect was detected in the anterior side of the diaphragm. Reduction of the hernia’s contents inside the abdominal cavity was achieved through laparoscopy, with the additional fixation of an intraperitoneal non-absorbable mesh for reinforcement of the diaphragmatic wall. Patient was discharged uneventfully on the 4th postoperative day. DISCUSSION: Morgagni hernias refer to a rare type of diaphragmatic congenital hernias, usually identified during childhood, leaving only a small number of cases observed in the adult population. Its diagnosis can pose a challenge due to the non-specific and usually asymptomatic presentation. An early surgical management is advised due to an increased number of potentially lethal complications, such as gastric incarceration and obstruction. Treatment consist of open surgical techniques through a trans-thoracic or a trans-abdominal approach, although a paradigm shift in the 21st century considers minimal invasive laparoscopic surgery the treatment of choice. CONCLUSSION: A high index of clinical suspicion is required for diagnosis of Morgagni hernias, while prompt management is advised. Laparoscopy is considered the best approach in the hands of an experienced surgeon.