Robotic repair of incarcerated morgagni hernia in an adult on the acute care surgery service

INTRODUCTION: Morgagni hernia is a relatively uncommon anterior diaphragmatic defect, particularly in adults. We describe the case of a patient who presented with an incarcerated Morgagni hernia and was repaired by an Acute Care Surgery service. DESCRIPTION: The patient is a 29 year old male who presented with a picture of bowel obstruction. CT scan revealed a Morgagni hernia with incarcerated stomach and colon. He was taken to the operating room for robotic repair. The hernia was reduced. The defect measured 10 x 7cm, a composite mesh was interposed, and sutured in place. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 and has done well at 1 year follow up. CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery offer the chance to apply minimally invasive techniques for urgent surgical care. This is the first reported case of an incarcerated Morgagni hernia repaired urgently using robotic techniques, and performed by acute care surgeons.