Maternal diaphragmatic hernia in pregnancy:A systematic review with a treatment algorithm

BACKGROUND Diaphragmatic hernia(DH)is extremely rarely described during pregnancy.Due to the rarity,there is no diagnostic or treatment algorithm for DH in pregnancy.AIM To summarize and define the most appropriate diagnostic methods and therapeutic options for DH in pregnancy based on scarce literature.METHODS Literature search of English-,German-,Spanish-,and Italian-language articles were performed using PubMed(1946–2021),PubMed Central(1900–2021),and Google Scholar.The PRISMA protocol was followed.The search terms included:Maternal diaphragmatic hernia,congenital hernia,pregnancy,cardiovascular collapse,mediastinal shift,abdominal pain in pregnancy,hyperemesis,diaphragmatic rupture during labor,puerperium,hernie diaphragmatique maternelle,hernia diafragmática congenital.Additional studies were identified by reviewing reference lists of retrieved studies.Demographic,imaging,surgical,and obstetric data were obtained.RESULTS One hundred and fifty-eight cases were collected.The average maternal age increased across observed periods.The proportion of congenital hernias increased,while the other types appeared stationary.Most DHs were left-sided(83.8%).The median number of herniated organs declined across observed periods.A working diagnosis was correct in 50%.DH type did not correlate to maternal or neonatal outcomes.Laparoscopic access increased while thoracotomy varied across periods.Presentation of less than 3 days carried a significant risk of strangulation in pregnancy.CONCLUSION The clinical presentation of DH is easily confused with common chest conditions,delaying the diagnosis,and increasing maternal and fetal mortality.Symptomatic DH should be included in the differential diagnosis of pregnant women with abdominal pain associated with dyspnea and chest pain,especially when followed by collapse.Early diagnosis and immediate intervention lead to excellent maternal and fetal outcomes.A proposed algorithm helps manage pregnant women with maternal DH.Strangulated DH requires an emergent operation,while delivery should be based on obstetric indications.

Right Post-Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia with Liver Dislocation

Diaphragmatic hernia is a rare consequence of thoraco-abdominal trauma. It may be associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly if surgical intervention is delayed. We report a case of a right diaphragmatic hernia in a 75-year-old woman. The patient was referred to our hospital with mild dyspnea. Chest radiograph showed an overtly elevated right hemi-diaphragm. Thoracic and abdominal computed tomographic scan was requested and showed a defect of the right diaphragmatic muscle wall with intrathoracic ascension of the liver. During the postoperative course, the patient was still on mechanical ventilation, hemodynamically unstable. She developped urinary peritonitis and an extensive bowel ischemia worsening. We report this case to show that the prognosis is related to associated injuries and possible complications. The possibility of a diaphragmatic rupture should be kept in mind and surgery is mandatory in order to avoid complications.

Diaphragmatic hernia after right donor and hepatectomy: a rare donor complication of partial hepatectomy for transplantation

BACKGROUND: Because of the critical worldwide shortage of cadaveric organ donors, transplant professionals have increasingly turned to living donors. Partial hepatectomy for adult living donor liver transplantation has been performed since the late 1990s. Most often,the complications of living donor hepatectomy have been related to the biliary tract, specifically biliary leaks. METHODS: A 54-year-old man underwent donor right hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation. Three years after liver donation he presented with upper abdominal pain and fullness. Radiographic workup revealed a diaphragmatic hernia of the right hemithorax. RESULTS: After thoracoscopic evaluation of the right hemithorax, diaphragmatic hernia was repaired. Currently the patient remains well several months after the repair with complete resolution of abdominal pain, normal chest X-ray examination demonstrating no recurrence of diaphragmatic hernia, and normal liver functions tests. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple complications of living donor liver transplantation have been described the transplant literature. Diaphragmatic hernia is a formerly-undescribed complication of right donor hepatectomy for transplantation.

Non-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia of the liver in an adult:a case report

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic hernia of the liver is a rare clinical entity, usually found after trauma in adults. This study was undertaken to elucidate a misdiagnosis of non-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia of the liver in an adult. METHOD: The clinical data of one patient with non-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia of the liver was analyzed. RESULTS: A tumor in the right lower thorax was revealed by chest X-ray and computed tomography. Non-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia of the liver was not identified until the operation. Pathological analysis confirmed the finding. The patient recovered well. CONCLUSIONS: Non-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia of the liver in an adult is a rare right-sided diaphragmatic hernia, which can move up into the chest cavity. It should be distinguished from lung cancer. The diagnosis and evaluation of non-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia of the liver can help optimize surgical management.

Strangulated diaphragmatic hernia presenting clinically as pericarditis

A case of strangulation of the transverse colon in a traumatic left diaphragmatic hernia manifesting as pericarditis is reported. This is unusual because pericardial signs in traumatic diaphragmatic hernia have been previously described in association with direct pericardial injury. This is the only such case where electrocardiographic changes of pericarditis were seen without direct pericardial trauma. The possibility of internal herniation through a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia must be considered in patients with chest symptoms and a compatible history.

Laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernia associating with radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Radiofrequency ablation(RFA)is an effective treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Although RFA is a relatively safe technique compared with surgery,several complications have been reported to be following/accompanying this treatment.Delayed diaphragmatic hernia caused by RFA is rare;however,the best surgical approach for its treatment is uncertain.We present a case of laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernia due to RFA.CASE SUMMARY An 80-year-old woman with segment VIII HCC was treated twice in 5 years with RFA;28 mo after the second RFA,the patient complained of right hypochondriac pain.Computed tomography revealed that the small intestine was incarcerated in the right thorax.The patient was diagnosed with diaphragmatic hernia and underwent laparoscopic repair by non-absorbable running sutures.The patient’s postoperative course was favorable,and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 12.The diaphragmatic hernia has not recurred 24 mo after surgery.CONCLUSION Laparoscopic treatment of iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia is effective and minimally invasive.

Diaphragmatic hernia complicated with intestinal obstruction with colon perforation after surgery for esophageal cancer:a case report

We reported a case of diaphragmatic hernia complicated with intestinal obstruction with colon perforation after surgery for esophageal cancer. In this case, the conservative treatment took too long, which delayed the diagnosis and treatment and resulted in colon perforation. After computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis, an emergency operation was performed. During the operation, we found colon perforation. Because pollution of thoracic cavity was serious, we performed proximal end colon neostomy. The patient recovered and discharged with active treatment 35 days after operation. We consider surgical repair of the diaphragmatic hernia is recommended to avoid the potentially disastrous complications, such as strangulation or perforation of the herniated contents, which can threaten the life of the patient if diagnosis is delayed.

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia associated with pelvic fractures: a case report and literature review

Objective： To review the epidemiological feature, clinical, and diagnostic data of post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia （TDH） associated with pelvic fractures patients reported in recent 10 years. Methods： One case of delayed presentation of TDH after pelvic fractures taken place one month later was present, with a review on the literature of this kind of patients in our country. Results： The incidence of TDH associated with pelvic fractures was relatively rare, and the diagnosis were often delayed or missed. Although the trans-thorax approach was preferred for surgical closure in the acute phase, its mortality was 8.51%. Conclusion： TDH associated with pelvic fractures is difficult to diagnose because of their varied clinical and radiological signs and the patients may not present with symptoms for a long time following the injury. In clinical, a high index of suspicion with appropriate examination is the mainstays of management, which can also increase the prognosis.

Early diagnosis and management of Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

This case report describes the case of a full term girl baby with left congenital diaphragmatic hernia(CDH)born to a 36-year-old mother at 38 weeks of gestation.The baby at birth had an APGAR 8 and birth weight 2.930 kgs.Pre operatively,the baby was ventilated and was kept Nil per oral and continued with Total parenteral nutrition.Nasogastric tube continuous suction was done.The parents were counselled for the surgical repair of CDH.On the third day of life,exploratory laparotomy was performed.5 cm diaphragmatic defect was found.The stomach,pancreas,small bowel,large bowel,and spleen were successfully restored from the left thoracic cavity and the diaphragmatic defect was closed.Post operatively,the baby was breastfed well,thermo regulated,maintained saturation,passed urine and stool and was discharged.

Laparoscopic reduction and repair of acute traumatic diaphragmatic hernia:A video review

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is one of the sequela of thoraco-abdominal injury,occurring in about 0.5%-5% of patients presenting post major trauma.Motor vehicle collision is the leading blunt trauma etiology.A high level of suspicion is essential to discover such injuries,as a majority of the patients can be asymptomatic.A case of a successful trans-abdominal laparoscopic reduction and repair of a large acute traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is presented as a video demonstration.We were able to evacuate all intrathoracic air,obliviating the need for a chest tube.Post operatively the patient did well with no complications.If expertise is available,laparoscopic intervention is a feasible option even for large traumatic diaphragmatic hernia preventing the need for a large midline laparotomy incision.

Post-Traumatic Right Diaphragmatic Hernia with Hepatothorax

Introduction: Traumatic right diaphragmatic hernia is an extremely rare entity, given the protection afforded by the liver. Clinical Case: A 51-year-old women who suffered a road-traffic accident presented with a heavy sensation and several episodes of moderate pain in the left hemithorax. Physical and radiological exams revealed a traumatic right hernia. Discussion: The diagnosis of hernia should be established as quickly as possible to reduce morbidity and mortality. Treatment of the injury is always surgical and outcome is invariably positive. Conclusion: The diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia should always be considered in patients suffering road-traffic accidents to allow early diagnosis and successful treatment.

Post Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia Revealing a Colonic Tumor

Post traumatic diaphragmatic injuries have long been known. However their varied clinical, expressions lead to difficulties which cause its delay. The occurrence of herniation of hollow viscera in the thoracic cavity followed by its necrosis or perforation, is a delayed complication, a rare entity with a poor prognosis. The discovery of a colonic tumor in a diaphragmatic hernia is an exceptional clinical circumstance. Here we report the case of a patient with a complicated diaphragmatic hernia, whose symptoms are precipitated by the presence of a colon stenosing tumor. The management consisted of an exclusive laparotomy had allowed dealing in one surgical intervention with both the abdominal and thoracic injuries.

Radiofrequency Ablation-Associated Delayed Diaphragmatic Hernia Treated with the Thoracolaparotomy Approach: A Case Report

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, rare but serious complications may occur after RFA. We describe a case of diaphragmatic hernia associated with RFA. Case Presentation: A 68-year-old man with a history of hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis was admitted to our hospital because of lower abdominal pain. Three years earlier, he underwent RFA for HCC in segment 8. Computed tomography revealed that the intestine was intruding into the right thoracic cavity through a diaphragmatic hernia. On the basis of the diagnosis of right diaphragmatic hernia with a strangulated ileus, an emergency operation was performed. Perforation of the strangulated transverse colon into the right thoracic cavity was suspected, and a combined approach of laparotomy and thoracotomy was utilized. The operative findings showed that the diaphragmatic hernia was 3.5 × 2.0 cm in diameter, and it was simply sutured with a nonabsorbable suture material. Resection of the intruded ischemic transverse colon was completed, and a covering ileostomy was performed. The patient was discharged without any complications. Conclusions: RFA is widely used for the treatment of HCC. Reports of early- and late-phase complications indicate that heat damage contributes to the fragility of neighboring organs. The occurrence of diaphragmatic hernia after RFA is one of the delayed complications. Although it rarely occurs, this complication requires emergency surgery. In conclusion, if perforation of the intestine into the thoracic cavity is suspected, thoracolaparotomy should be considered as a treatment option to prevent postoperative massive empyema.

Epidemiology of congenital diaphragmatic hernia among 24 million Chinese births:a hospital-based surveillance study

Background The prevalence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia(CDH)varies across countries,with limited information available on its epidemiology in China.Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence,time trends,and perinatal outcomes of CDH in China,as well as its associated malformations and potential associations with maternal and infant characteristics.Methods This study included all birth and CDH cases from the Chinese Birth Defects Monitoring Network between 2007 and 2019,with CDH cases classified as either isolated or associated.We employed the joinpoint regression model to calculate the trends of prevalence and the annual percent change,with Poisson regression used for adjusted prevalence rate ratios.A P value≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results A total of 4397 CDH cases were identified among 24,158,029 births in the study period,yielding prevalence rates of 1.82,1.13 and 0.69 per 10,000 for overall,isolated,and associated CDH,respectively.The prevalence of each type of CDH increased over time.The prevalence of overall CDH varied significantly by infant sex(male vs.female,1.91/10,000 vs.1.63/10,000),maternal residence(urban vs.rural,2.13/10,000 vs.1.45/10,000),maternal age(<20 years,1.31/10,000;20-24 years,1.63/10,000;25-29 years,1.80/10,000;30-34 years,1.87/10,000;≥35 years,2.22/10,000),and geographic region(central,1.64/10,000;east,2.45/10,000;west,1.37/10,000).Cardiovascular anomalies were the most common malformations associated with CDH.Infants with associated CDH had a higher risk of premature birth and perinatal death than those with isolated CDH.Conclusion The increasing prevalence and high perinatal mortality rate of CDH highlight the need for further etiological,epidemiological,and clinical studies among the Chinese population.

Congenital Hernia of the Diaphragmatic Dome with Neonatal Revelation, Experience from the Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the University Hospital Center of Oujda

Congenital hernia of the diaphragmatic dome (CHDD) is an embryonic malformation in which all or part of the diaphragmatic dome fails to develop properly. In the majority of cases (80% to 90%), this malformation affects the left posterolateral part of the diaphragm, while in 10% to 15% of cases it affects the right. Bilateral cases are extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of cases. This malformation is estimated to occur at a frequency of around 1 in 3500 births, with a male predominance. The diaphragmatic defect causes the abdominal organs to rise into the thoracic cavity during critical phases of lung development. These anomalies result in bilateral pulmonary hypoplasia, a reduced number of pulmonary vessels, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The combination of these anatomical and functional anomalies, in varying degrees, explains the wide variability of symptoms at birth. Diagnosis is usually made prenatally by ultrasound, which enables severe forms of the disease to be detected and appropriate management initiated. The prognosis remains generally grave, with a neonatal mortality rate of between 30% and 60% depending on the study, and around half of all children will have long-term sequelae.

Ultrasound diagnosis of congenital Morgagni hernias: Ten years of experience at two Chinese centers

BACKGROUND Morgagni hernias are rare anomalies that are easily misdiagnosed or missed.AIM To summarize the ultrasound(US)imaging characteristics of Morgagni hernias through a comparison of imaging and surgical results.METHODS The records of children with Morgagni hernias who were hospitalized at two hospitals between January 2013 and November 2023 were retrospectively re-viewed in terms of clinical findings,US features,and operative details.RESULTS Between 2013 and 2023,we observed nine(five male and four female)children with Morgagni hernias.Upper abdominal scanning revealed a widening of the prehepatic space,with an abnormal channel extending from the xiphoid process to the right or left side of the thoracic cavity.The channel had intestinal duct and intestinal gas echoes.Hernia contents were found in the transverse colon(n=6),the colon and small intestine(n=2),and the colon and stomach(n=1).Among the patients,seven had a right-sided lesion,two had a left-sided lesion,and all of them had hernial sacs.CONCLUSION US imaging can accurately determine the location,extent,and content of Morgagni hernias.For suspected Mor-gagni hernias,we recommend performing sonographic screening first.

Antenatal use of bosentan and/or sildenafil attenuates pulmonary features in rats with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Background:Lung hypoplasia,pulmonary persistent hypertension of the newborn and its morphological changes are the main features in congenital diaphragmatic hernia(CDH).This study was undertaken to investigate if antenatal use of sildenafil and/or bosentan attenuates vascular remodeling,promotes branching,and improves alveolarization in experimental nitrofeninduced CDH.Methods:Nitrofen(100 mg)was gavage-fed to pregnant rats at post conception day(PCD)9 to induce CDH.The rats were randomized to 5 groups:1)control;2)nitrofen;3)nitrofen+sildenafil 100 mg/kg per day at PCD 16-20;4)nitrofen+bosentan 30 mg/kg per day,at PCD 16-20,and 5)nitrofen+bosentan+sildenafil,same doses and administration days.After cesarean delivery,the offsprings were sacrifi ced.The diaphragmatic defect and pulmonary hypoplasia were identified,and the lungs were dissected.Arterial wall thickness,bronchiolar density and alveolarization were assessed.Results:The offsprings with CDH were characterized by severe pulmonary hypoplasia(lung weight-to-body weight ratio:0.0263[95%confidence interval(CI)0.0242-0.0278)]in the nitrofen group versus 0.0385(95%CI 0.0355-0.0424)in the control group(P=0.0001).Pulmonary arterial wall thickness was decreased to 3.0(95%CI 2.8-3.7)μm in the nitrofen+sildenafil group versus 5.0(95%CI 4.1-4.9)μm in the nitrofen group(P=0.02).Terminal bronchioles increased to 13.7(95%CI 10.7-15.2)μm in the nitrofen+bosentan group in contrast to 8.7(95%CI 7.2-9.4)μm in the nitrofen group(P=0.002).More significant differences(P=0.0001)were seen in terminal bronchioles in the nitrofen+sildenafil+bosentan group than in the nitrofen group[14.0(95%CI 12.5-15.4)μm versus 8.5(95%CI 7.1-9.3)μm].Pulmonary arterial wall thickness was also decreased in the former group.Conclusions:In this rat model,antenatal treatment with sildenafil attenuates vascular remodeling.Bosentan promotes the development of terminal bronchioles in nitrofen-induced CDH.

Delayed right-sided diaphragmatic hernia with severe ：raniocerebral trauma

Diaphragmatic hernia （DH） is an uncommon result of trauma, but presents a severe problem in patients With multiple injuries. Right-sided DH is rare, owing to the protection of the liver and strength of the right hemidiaphragm. Here we present a case of delayed right-sided DH with severe craniocerebral trauma.

Adult congenital diaphragmatic hernia of the liver: a rare case report

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), which mainly occurs in the newborn or in childhood with severe respiratory distress and high mortality, is rarely found in adult, especially for those uncommon right CDH [1–4]. Whereas, liver as the main

Combination of congenital cleft lip and palate with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a severe disease course

Congenital cleft lip and palate （CLP） is the most ＇common birth defect now in China. The incidence is 1.62%0 according to the data （1988-- 1992） provided by the National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring. It is also one of the congenital anomalies that have excellent prognosis. But severe complications may occur in the cases accompanied some other deformities. Here we report a case of death caused by left-sided posterolateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia （CDH）, type Bochdalek, after the cleft operation.