RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Delayed presentation of post-traumatic diaphragm rupture repaired by laparoscopy
JF BMJ Case Reports
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP bcr-2012-007372
DO 10.1136/bcr-2012-007372
VO 2012
A1 Houston, James
A1 Jalil, Rozh
A1 Isla, Alberto
YR 2012
UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2012/bcr-2012-007372.abstract
AB 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.