Rupture diaphragm: Early diagnosis and management

Background This kind of pathology is uncommon and even may pass unnoticed in casualty patients or iatrogenic after major abdominal surgeries. The repair of such pathology is simple in most cases. Methods Over 10 years in Saudi German Hospital in Madinah, KSA; we reviewed retrospectively 39 cases of diagnosed diaphragmatic tears due to many causes. The cases were reviewed regarding preoperative, operative and postoperative variables. Results The outcome of the repair of the diaphragm was good relieving the symptoms with no complications related to the repair of the diaphragm. The morbidity and mortality were due to the associated injuries. Conclusions Early diagnosis and avoiding misdiagnosis as pneumothorax are crucial in the management. Plain CXR and even CT chest without contrast are mandatory in cases of blunt trauma with other multiple system injuries even to the abdomen alone.