Smoking intensity increases diaphragm muscle injury: a clinicopathologic study

BACKGROUND: Studying the effects of smoking intensity is important to evaluate the risk of tobacco use on a range of illnesses, such as sarcopenia among the elderly. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of pack-years of cigarette smoking on the diaphragm muscle (DIAm) histopathology of postmortem samples. METHODS: Subjects were divided into three groups: never-smoker (n = 46); less than 30 pack-years of smoking (n = 12); and more than 30 pack-years of smoking (n = 30). Diaphragm samples were stained with Picrosirius red and hematoxylin and eosin stain for general structure. RESULTS: Participants with more than 30 pack-years of cigarette smoking had a significant increase in adipocytes, blood vessels and collagen deposit, as well as an increase in histopathological alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Pack-years of smoking was associated with DIAm injury. However, further clinicopathological studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Traumatic rupture of diaphragm with splenic herniation. An unusual cause of hemothorax.

The traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is considered a rare clinic condition and represents a diagnostic challenge. Its presentation is mainly a surgical emergency, leading to scarce time for complementary image studies. We present a case of a 21-year-old male who suffered a penetrating wound in the left hemitorax from whom is suspected to have a traumatic visceral herniation into the thoracic cavity by chest X-ray, confirming a splenic herniation with intrathoracic hemorrhage, as well as the proposal of a management algorithm for this defiant cases.

La hernia diafragmática traumática es poco frecuente en la clínica y representa un reto diagnóstico, ya que su aparición es principalmente de emergencia y esto propicia poco tiempo para la realización de estudios de imagen complementarios. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 21 años que sufrió una herida penetrante en el hemitórax izquierdo con sospecha de herniación traumática diafragmática de vísceras abdominales al tórax por radiografía, y en el quirófano se confirmó una herniación esplénica con hemorragia intratorácica. Se propone un algoritmo de manejo en estos casos tan desafiantes.

Hernia diafragmática: Un desafío diagnóstico / Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Diagnostic Challenge

Introducción: La hernia diafragmática traumática es una complicación grave del traumatismo abdominal o torácico. Se considera una entidad poco frecuente. El diagnóstico es difícil y, a menudo, puede pasar inadvertido. Objetivo: El propósito de este caso clínico es demostrar la necesidad de sospechar la presencia de hernia diafragmática en los pacientes con trauma toracoabdomial. Presentación del Caso: Paciente de 75 años que sufre accidente de tránsito, con evaluación inicial sin alteraciones clínico-radiológicas, que posteriormente presentan evolución desfavorable con hallazgo radiográfico de una hernia diafragmática traumática. Conclusiones: La hernia diafragmática cuando se presenta constituye un verdadero reto para el diagnóstico por parte del personal médico; pues esta requiere de un alto índice de sospecha y el uso adecuado de las imágenes diagnósticas. Se considera una entidad importante para la evaluación del paciente traumatizado(AU)

Introduction: Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is a serious complication of abdominal or thoracic trauma. It is considered a rare pathology. The diagnosis is difficult and can often go unnoticed. Objective: The purpose of this clinical case is to demonstrate the need to suspect the presence of diaphragmatic hernia in patients with thoracoabdomial trauma. Case Presentation: Seventy-five-year-old patient who suffers a traffic accident. At initial evaluation no clinical-radiological alterations were observed, but later the patient presented an unfavorable evolution with radiographic finding of a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Conclusions: Diaphragmatic hernia, when present, is a real challenge for the diagnosis by the medical staff since it requires a high index of suspicion and an adequate use of diagnostic images. It is considered an important entity in the evaluation of the trauma patient(AU)

Ruptura diafragmática y esplénica de origen traumático en un adolescente / Diaphragmatic and splenic rupture of traumatic origin in a teenager

Introducción: La ruptura diafragmática es un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico para los médicos que se enfrentan al manejo de pacientes politraumatizados; debe sospecharse siempre en lesiones traumáticas de localización torácica o abdominal. Objetivo: Informar los elementos diagnósticos y terapéuticos seguidos ante ruptura diafragmática y esplénica de origen traumático. Presentación del caso: Se presenta el caso de un adolescente de 14 años que ingresa por presentar herida punzante por arma blanca de localización abdominal y manifestaciones clínicas que permiten hacer el diagnóstico de la afección tratada. Durante el acto quirúrgico se comprobó la ruptura del diafragma, hernia diafragmática y ruptura esplénica con salida de sangre hacia la cavidad abdominal. Se realizó reducción de la hernia, sutura del diafragma y extirpación del bazo por el estado del órgano en el momento de la cirugía. Conclusiones: La ruptura diafragmática postraumática es una entidad que cada vez se observa con mayor frecuencia en pacientes pediátricos. El examen clínico auxiliado por estudios imagenológicos resulta vital para su diagnóstico, tratamiento precoz y evitar complicaciones. Es importante mantener un alto índice de sospecha ante esta entidad poco frecuente, pero no rara en la edad pediátrica. El paciente tuvo una evolución favorable y fue egresado del servicio de cirugía luego de 10 días de hospitalización(AU)

Introduction: The diaphragmatic rupture is a diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge for physicians who have to face the management of polytraumatized patients; there must always be suspicion on traumatic injuries of thoracic or abdominal location. Objective: To inform the diagnostic and therapeutic elements followed in case of diaphragmatic and splenic rupture of traumatic origin. Presentation of the case: 14-year-old male teenager that was admitted for presenting stabbing wound by sharp weapon, with abdominal location and clinical manifestations that allow making the diagnosis of the condition being treated. During surgery, it was found the rupture of the diaphragm, a diaphragmatic hernia and splenic rupture with output of blood into the abdominal cavity. It was conducted the reduction of the hernia, the suture of the diaphragm and the removal of the spleen due to the state of the organ during the surgery. Conclusions: Post-traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is an entity that it is most often seen in pediatric patients. The clinical examination aided by imaging studies is vital for its diagnosis, early treatment and to avoid complications. It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion to face this rare entity, but not so rare in the pediatric age group. The patient had a favourable evolution and he was discharged of the surgery service after 10 days of hospitalization(AU)

"Pop in a scope": attempt to decrease the rate of unnecessary nontherapeutic laparotomies in hemodynamically stable patients with thoracoabdominal penetrating injuries.

BACKGROUND: Management of patients with thoracoabdominal penetrating injuries is challenging. Thoracoabdominal penetrating trauma may harbor hollow viscus injuries in both thoracic and abdominal cavities and occult diaphragmatic lesions. While radiological tests show poor diagnostic performance in these situations, evaluation by laparoscopy is highly sensitive and specific. Furthermore, minimally invasive surgery may avoid unnecessary laparotomies, despite concerns regarding complication and missed injury rates. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic performance of laparoscopy in stable patients with thoracoabdominal penetrating injuries. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of hemodynamically stable patients with thoracoabdominal penetrating wounds was managed by laparoscopy. We collected data regarding the profile of the patients, the presence of diaphragmatic injury, perioperative complications, and the conversion rate. Preoperative imaging tests were compared to laparoscopy in terms of diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included, and 26 (84%) were victims of a stab wound. Mean age was 32 years. Ninety-three percent were male. Diaphragmatic lesions were present in 18 patients (58%), and 13 (42%) had associated injuries. There were no missed injuries and no conversions. Radiography and computerized tomography yielded an accuracy of 52% and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is a safe diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in stable patients with thoracoabdominal penetrating wound, with low complication rate, and may avoid unnecessary laparotomies. The poor diagnostic performance of preoperative imaging exams supports routine laparoscopic evaluation of the diaphragm to exclude injuries in these patients.

Ruptura diafragmatica postraumatica en pediatria: A proposito de un caso / Post traumatic diaphragmatic rupture in children: Case report

La ruptura diafragmática es una entidad relativamente infrecuente en pediatría que se puede presentar como consecuencia de un traumatismo de alto impacto. Solo entre el 25% y el 50% de los casos es detectado en la evaluación inicial del paciente, lo que aumenta el riesgo de complicaciones. En este trabajo, se presenta el caso de una paciente asintomática, de 8 años de edad, que, tras un accidente vehicular y la evaluación inicial en otro centro, fue derivada a nuestra Institución para el control evolutivo. A las 36 horas del ingreso, presentó hipoventilación pulmonar izquierda. La tomografía demostró un ascenso intratorácico del ángulo esplénico del colon y asas de intestino delgado. Se efectuó la exploración y el tratamiento quirúrgico. Los controles radiográficos diferidos no mostraron signos de recidiva.

Diaphragmatic rupture is a relatively uncommon entity in pediatrics that can occur as a result of a high-impact trauma. Only between 25 and 50% of the cases are detected in the initial evaluation of the patient, which increases the risk of complications. This paper presents the case of an asymptomatic 8-year-old patient who was referred to our institution after a vehicular accident. A day and a half after admission, a left pulmonary hypoventilation was detected. Computed tomography scan showed intrathoracic elevation of the splenic angle of the colon and the small bowel. Surgical exploration and treatment were performed. Deferred radiographic controls showed no signs of relapse.

[Post traumatic diaphragmatic rupture in children: Case report]. / Ruptura diafragmatica postraumatica en pediatria: A proposito de un caso.

Diaphragmatic rupture is a relatively uncommon entity in pediatrics that can occur as a result of a high-impact trauma. Only between 25 and 50% of the cases are detected in the initial evaluation of the patient, which increases the risk of complications. This paper presents the case of an asymptomatic 8-year-old patient who was referred to our institution after a vehicular accident. A day and a half after admission, a left pulmonary hypoventilation was detected. Computed tomography scan showed intrathoracic elevation of the splenic angle of the colon and the small bowel. Surgical exploration and treatment were performed. Deferred radiographic controls showed no signs of relapse.

La ruptura diafragmática es una entidad relativamente infrecuente en pediatría que se puede presentar como consecuencia de un traumatismo de alto impacto. Solo entre el 25% y el 50% de los casos es detectado en la evaluación inicial del paciente, lo que aumenta el riesgo de complicaciones. En este trabajo, se presenta el caso de una paciente asintomática, de 8 años de edad, que, tras un accidente vehicular y la evaluación inicial en otro centro, fue derivada a nuestra Institución para el control evolutivo. A las 36 horas del ingreso, presentó hipoventilación pulmonar izquierda. La tomografía demostró un ascenso intratorácico del ángulo esplénico del colon y asas de intestino delgado. Se efectuó la exploración y el tratamiento quirúrgico. Los controles radiográficos diferidos no mostraron signos de recidiva.

Retrospective analysis of 103 diaphragmatic injuries in patients operated in a trauma center. / Análise retrospectiva de 103 casos de lesão diafragmática operados em um centro de trauma.

OBJECTIVE:: to analyze the factors associated with death in patients with diaphragmatic injury treated at a trauma reference hospital. METHODS:: we conducted a retrospective study of patients with diaphragm injury attended at the Risoleta Tolentino Neves Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, between January 2010 and December 2014. We used The Collector® database of trauma records (MD, USA). We gathered data on demographics, location of the diaphragmatic lesion, site and number of associated lesions, type of therapeutic approach, complications and Injury Severity Score (ISS). The variable of interest was the occurrence of death. RESULTS:: we identified 103 patients and mortality was 16.5%. Penetrating lesions occurred in 98% of patients. Univariate analysis showed a mortality higher in patients whose treatment was non-operative, without closing of the defect (p=0.023), and lower in patients submitted to diaphragmatic suturing (p<0.001). The increase in the number of lesions was associated with an increase in mortality (p=0.048). In multivariate analysis, ISS>24 (OR=4.0, p=0.029) and diaphragmatic suturing (OR=0.76, p<0.001) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSION:: The findings indicate that the traumatic rupture of the diaphragm rarely presents as an isolated lesion, being frequently associated with injuries of other organs, especially the liver and hollow viscera. Mortality was higher among those with ISS>24.

Análise retrospectiva de 103 casos de lesão diafragmática operados em um centro de trauma / Retrospective analysis of 103 diaphragmatic injuries in patients operated in a trauma center

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados ao óbito em pacientes com lesão diafragmática atendidos em hospital de referência para o trauma. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo de pacientes com lesão do diafragma atendidos no Hospital Risoleta Tolentino Neves da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais entre janeiro de 2010 e dezembro de 2014. Foi utilizado o Banco de Registros de Trauma Collector® (MD, USA). Utilizaram-se dados demográficos, localização da lesão diafragmática, lesões associadas de outros órgãos, número de lesões associadas, tipo de abordagem terapêutica, complicações e o escore de gravidade Injury Severity Score (ISS). A variável de interesse foi a ocorrência de óbito. Resultados: foram identificados 103 pacientes e a incidência de óbito foi de 16,5%. Lesões penetrantes ocorreram em 98% dos pacientes. Em análise univariada a mortalidade foi maior em pacientes cujo tratamento foi não operatório, sem rafia (p=0,023), e menor em pacientes submetidos à rafia diafragmática (p<0,001). O aumento do número de lesões associou-se ao aumento da incidência de óbitos (p=0,048). Em análise multivariada, ISS>24 (OR=4,0; p=0,029) e rafia do diafragma (OR=0,76; p<0,001) associaram-se à mortalidade. Conclusão: os achados indicam que a ruptura traumática do diafragma raramente se apresenta como lesão isolada, estando associada frequentemente à lesão de outros órgãos, especialmente fígado e vísceras ocas. Pode-se afirmar que a mortalidade foi mais elevada entre aqueles com ISS>24.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the factors associated with death in patients with diaphragmatic injury treated at a trauma reference hospital. Methods: we conducted a retrospective study of patients with diaphragm injury attended at the Risoleta Tolentino Neves Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, between January 2010 and December 2014. We used The Collector® database of trauma records (MD, USA). We gathered data on demographics, location of the diaphragmatic lesion, site and number of associated lesions, type of therapeutic approach, complications and Injury Severity Score (ISS). The variable of interest was the occurrence of death. Results: we identified 103 patients and mortality was 16.5%. Penetrating lesions occurred in 98% of patients. Univariate analysis showed a mortality higher in patients whose treatment was non-operative, without closing of the defect (p=0.023), and lower in patients submitted to diaphragmatic suturing (p<0.001). The increase in the number of lesions was associated with an increase in mortality (p=0.048). In multivariate analysis, ISS>24 (OR=4.0, p=0.029) and diaphragmatic suturing (OR=0.76, p<0.001) were associated with mortality. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the traumatic rupture of the diaphragm rarely presents as an isolated lesion, being frequently associated with injuries of other organs, especially the liver and hollow viscera. Mortality was higher among those with ISS>24.

Repair of Penetrating Pericardial and Diaphragmatic Injury with Cormatrix® Patch in a Case of Suicide Attempt.

The authors report the case of a suicide attempt. A 59-year-old man with self-inflicted penetrating chest trauma underwent emergency cardiothoracic surgery. Pre-operative computed tomography scan showed critical proximity between the blade and the right ventricle. Intraoperative findings showed a pericardial laceration and a huge diaphragmatic lesion with heart and abdominal organs integrity. The diaphragm muscle was repaired with a CorMatrix® patch, an acceptable alternative to the traditional synthetic mesh avoiding infection and repeated herniation.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgery for Abdominal Trauma: A Case-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: The use of laparoscopic surgery in abdominal emergencies, such as in trauma, has had a slow acceptance. The advantages described with this approach include less postoperative pain, faster recovery, quicker return to everyday activities, and fewer wound complications. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare outcomes following laparoscopic versus open surgery for abdominal trauma (either blunt or penetrating). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with abdominal trauma who underwent laparoscopic surgery from January 2013 to May 2016 were compared with 19 patients undergoing open surgery during the same time period. Patients were matched (1:1) for age, gender, body-mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, hemodynamic stability, and injury mechanism. Intra- and postoperative variables were compared between groups. RESULTS: Laparoscopic group displayed a significantly shorter operative time (93.3 versus 134.2 minutes; P < .009), lower estimated blood loss (100 versus 600 mL; P < .019), faster return to normal diet (1.6 versus 2.4 days; P < .039), and shorter hospital length of stay (LOS) (3.8 versus. 5.6 days; P < .042). There were no statistical significant differences in 30-day mortality between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery for abdominal trauma, either blunt or penetrating, is safe and technically feasible in hemodynamically stable patients. We found in our study that laparoscopic surgery was associated with shorter operative time, lower estimated blood loss, faster return to normal diet, and shorter hospital LOS.

Repair of penetrating pericardial and diaphragmatic injury with cormatrix® patch in a case of suicide attempt

Abstract The authors report the case of a suicide attempt. A 59-year-old man with self-inflicted penetrating chest trauma underwent emergency cardiothoracic surgery. Pre-operative computed tomography scan showed critical proximity between the blade and the right ventricle. Intraoperative findings showed a pericardial laceration and a huge diaphragmatic lesion with heart and abdominal organs integrity. The diaphragm muscle was repaired with a CorMatrix® patch, an acceptable alternative to the traditional synthetic mesh avoiding infection and repeated herniation.

Hérnia diafragmática direita associada à hepatotórax assintomático com correção de cirurgia precoce / Right diaphragmatic hernia associated to asymptomatic hepatotorax with early surgical correction

A ruptura diafragmática decorrente de lesão traumática é uma entidade rara, secundária ao trauma fechado ou penetrante. O diagnóstico é difícil, o que pode fazer com que o tratamento cirúrgico seja retardado, acarretando um aumento da morbimortalidade. Os autores relatam o caso de paciente de 39 anos, do sexo feminino, vítima de trauma com alto impacto devido a atropelamento. Após 13 dias de internamento, radiografia de tórax permaneceu com obliteração do seio costofrênico e velamento do terço inferior do hemitórax direito. Tomografia computadorizada de tórax evidenciou grande parte do fígado em posição intratorácica, sugerindo a possibilidade de ruptura torácica e hepatotórax. O tratamento foi realizado por meio de uma toracotomia anterolateral direita com rafia do defeito diafragmático e redução do saco herniário. Sendo assim, apesar de raro, o hepatotórax é uma entidade que deve sempre ser lembrada em pacientes vítimas de traumas torácicos de alta intensidade.

The diaphragmatic rupture due to traumatic injury is a very rare entity that may be due to blunt or penetrating trauma. Diagnosis is difficult and therefore surgical treatment may be delayed, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. The authors report the case of a 39-year-old patient, female, who was victim of a high-impact trauma due to trampling. Standard chest X-ray did not showed positive evolution after 13 days of hospitalization, with costophrenic angle obliteration and opacification of the lower third of the right hemithorax. It asked then a chest CT scan that showed much of the liver in intratoracic position. The treatment was carried out successfully by a right anterolateral thoracotomy with suture and correction of diaphragmatic hernia. Thus, although rare, hepatotorax is an entity that should always be remembered in trauma patients with high impact.

[Late presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia]. / Presentación tardía de hernia diafragmática traumática.

Four years old male, who was operated four months ago to present chest injuries caused by a firearm projectile, where injuries in the diaphragm were not observed. Now is admitted because of an intestinal obstruction. By medial laparotomy, a defect of 3 cm in diameter was exposed in the left diaphragm, containing a transverse colonic segment of 5 cm and omentum. The treatment performed is described.

Varón de cuatro años de edad que hace cuatro meses fue intervenido por presentar lesiones en el tórax producidas por un proyectil de arma de fuego, sin que se observaran lesiones en el diafragma. Ahora ingresa por un cuadro de obstrucción intestinal. Por laparotomía media, se expuso un defecto de 3 cm de diámetro, en el diafragma izquierdo, que contenía un segmento de 5 cm de colon transverso y omento. Se describe el tratamiento efectuado.

Analysis of natural history of the diaphragmatic injury on the right in mice / Análise da evolução natural dos ferimentos diafragmáticos à direita em ratos

Objective: to evaluate natural evolution of right diaphragmatic injury after the surgical removal of a portion from hemi diaphragm. Methods: the animals were submitted to a surgical removal of portion from right hemi diaphragm by median laparotomy. The sample consists of 42 animals being 2 animals from pilot project and 40 operated animals. And the variables of the study were herniation, liver protection, healing, persistent diaphragm injury, evaluation of 16 channels tomography and the variables "heart rate" and "weight". Results: we analyzed 40 mice, we had two post-operative deaths; we had 17 animals in this group suffered from herniation (42.5%) and 23 animals didn't suffer from herniation (57.5%). Analyzing the tomography as image method in the evaluation of diaphragmatic hernia, we had as a method with good sensitivity (78.6%), good specificity (90.9%), and good accuracy (86.1%) when compared to necropsy. Conclusion: there was a predominance of healing of right hemi diaphragm, the size of initial injury didn't have influence on occurrence of the liver protection or hernia in mice.

Objetivo: avaliar a evolução natural do ferimento diafragmático à direita após a retirada cirúrgica de uma porção do hemidiafragma. Métodos: os animais foram submetidos à ressecção de uma porção do hemidiafragma à direita através da laparotomia mediana. Foram operados 40 ratos. As variáveis analisadas foram: herniação, proteção hepática, cicatrização, lesão persistente do diafragma, avaliação da tomografia computadorizada, frequência cardíaca e peso. Resultados: foram analisados 40 ratos. Houve duas mortes no pós-operatório. Dezessete animais tiveram herniação (42,5%) e 23 (57,5%), não. Analisando emprego da tomografia computadorizada na avaliação da hérnia diafragmática, tivemos um método com boa sensibilidade (78,6%), boa especificidade (90,9%) e boa acurácia (86,1%) quando comparados com a necrópsia. Conclusão: houve predomínio de cicatrização do hemidiafragma à direita e o tamanho da lesão inicial não influenciou na ocorrência de proteção hepática ou hérnia em ratos.

Analysis of natural history of the diaphragmatic injury on the right in mice.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate natural evolution of right diaphragmatic injury after the surgical removal of a portion from hemi diaphragm. METHODS: the animals were submitted to a surgical removal of portion from right hemi diaphragm by median laparotomy. The sample consists of 42 animals being 2 animals from pilot project and 40 operated animals. And the variables of the study were herniation, liver protection, healing, persistent diaphragm injury, evaluation of 16 channels tomography and the variables "heart rate" and "weight". RESULTS: we analyzed 40 mice, we had two post-operative deaths; we had 17 animals in this group suffered from herniation (42.5%) and 23 animals didn't suffer from herniation (57.5%). Analyzing the tomography as image method in the evaluation of diaphragmatic hernia, we had as a method with good sensitivity (78.6%), good specificity (90.9%), and good accuracy (86.1%) when compared to necropsy. CONCLUSION: there was a predominance of healing of right hemi diaphragm, the size of initial injury didn't have influence on occurrence of the liver protection or hernia in mice.

Natural history of extensive diaphragmatic injury on the right side: experimental study in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the natural healing of the rat diaphragm that suffered an extensive right penetrating injury. METHODS: Animals were submitted to an extensive penetrating injury in right diaphragm. The sample consisted of 40 animals. The variables studied were initial weight, weight 21 days after surgery; healing of the diaphragm, non-healing of the diaphragm, and herniated abdominal contents into the chest. RESULTS: Ten animals were used as controls for weight and 30 animals were operated. Two animals died during the experiment, so 28 animals formed the operated group; healing of the diaphragm occurred in 15 animals (54%), 11 other animals showed diaphragmatic hernia (39%) and in two we observed only diaphragmatic injury without hernia (7%). Among the herniated organs, the liver was found in 100% of animals, followed by the omentum in 77%, small bowel in 62%, colon in 46%, stomach in 31% and spleen in 15%. The control group and the diaphragmatic healing subgroup showed increased weight since the beginning of the study and the 21 days after surgery (p <0.001). The unhealed group showed no change in weight (p = 0.228). CONCLUSION: there is a predominance of spontaneous healing in the right diaphragm; animals in which there was no healing of the diaphragm did not gain weight, and the liver was the organ present in 100% the diaphragmatic surface in all rats with healed diaphragm or not.