Delayed presentation of traumatic hepatothorax: An anesthetic and surgical perspective

: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is an uncommon sequela of blunt and penetrating trauma. It is estimated that 0.8–1.6% of patients with blunt trauma develop diaphragmatic rupture. However, the diagnosis of this condition is often overlooked, with right-sided hernias missed more frequently than left-sided hernias. Early diagnosis and repair are essential to prevent future complications such as strangulation and ischemia of intra-abdominal organs, lung collapse, and cardiovascular demise. : A 17-year-old male (180 cm; 86 kg) with no comorbidities presented to the emergency department (ED) following a high-velocity, unrestricted, rear-ended motor vehicle crash (MVC). The patient was intubated and hemodynamically stabilized in the ED, with planned surgical exploration of the abdomen. Six days following the accident, the patient was extubated; he became increasingly hypoxic and tachypneic over the next day. A CT of the chest and pelvis was ordered, confirming the diagnosis of a post-traumatic right-sided diaphragmatic hernia. An exploratory laparotomy was scheduled. Difficulties with ventilation were encountered due to suspected lung compression by the liver and movement of the endotracheal tube into the right main lung bronchus. : Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia should be considered in all patients presenting with abdominal trauma and should be suspected if respiratory distress arises during the patient’s clinical course. The recommended anesthetic approach is rapid sequence intubation with a cardiovascular-stable agent like etomidate and gastric decompression. Difficulties with intubation and ventilation should be anticipated due to the presence of the visceral organs within the thoracic cavity.