Repair of a giant diaphragmatic hernia using the dual approach

Abstract

Bochdalek hernias are diaphragmatic defects seen in pediatrics. About 5–25% of the cases are diagnosed in adulthood, and present with symptoms of chest and abdominal problems. This is a case of an 18-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain, vomiting and dyspnea. Most of the left-sided organs had herniated to the left chest cavity. Immediate surgery was performed. The stomach, spleen and colon were reduced into the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm defect was repaired laparoscopically, but there were limitations due to inadequate space, leading to difficult visualization of the posterior diaphragmatic leaflet. A thoracoscopic approach was taken where we saw the left kidney herniated through the repair site posteriorly. It was reduced and the defect was closed. The early diagnosis of Bochdalek hernias is important to prevent stomach/intestinal strangulation. Laparoscopic surgeons need to be prepared for a thoracic approach in giant congenital diaphragmatic hernias.