Recurrence of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia 57 years postoperatively: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE: Postoperative recurrence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in adults is very rare. There is currently no precedent and no established treatment. We encountered a case of CDH which recurred 57 years, postoperatively. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 57-year-old man with dyspnea on exertion was referred to our hospital. He had undergone surgery at the same hospital for CDH when he was 46 days old. DIAGNOSIS AND INTERVENTIONS: Laboratory studies, except diagnostic imaging and spirometry, were otherwise within normal limits. He was diagnosed with recurrent CDH based on computed tomography and underwent laparoscopic surgery. OUTCOMES: His postoperative course was uneventful, and there was no recurrence on follow-up. LESSONS: We reported our encounter with a case of recurrent CDH, more than 50 years after the initial surgery. When managing diaphragmatic hernias, prompt surgical treatment, with consideration to prior surgical history for CDH, leads to satisfactory results.