Surgical management of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia: a single institutional experience of more than two decades.

BACKGROUND: We present here our experience with surgical management of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, trying to find out the era impact of different periods on the outcome and risk factors of mortality. METHODS: A series of 63 patients with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia were referred to us and operated on during March, 1990-August, 2017. The patient records were reviewed and statistically analyzed to demonstrate injury characteristics and to find out optimal treatment strategy, risk factors of death as well as the difference between two periods (1990-2005, 2005-2017) divided by introduction of computed tomography at our institution. RESULTS: The overall mean age was 31.2 ± 16.3 years old with a female to male ratio of 11/52. The mechanism was penetrating trauma in 19 cases (30.2%), and blunt trauma in 44 cases (69.9%). Two thirds of the patients in the second group (2005-2017) yet none in the first group (1990-2005) underwent computed tomography. Ten patients (15.9%), of which 8 in the first and the other 2 in the second group (p = .042), had late diagnoses. The most commonly used incision was a thoracotomy (n = 43, 89.6%). There was no statistical difference in etiology or mortality between the two periods. Univariate analysis showed survivors were younger, and had lesser injury severity scores (ISS) and lower American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grade than non-survivors. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased age (odds ratio, 1.275; p = .013) and greater ISS (OR, 1.174; p = .028) were risk factors of death in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: High-definition computed tomography has significantly improved the preoperative diagnosis rate. The transthoracic approach could be used in selected cases with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with good outcomes. Patients with greater ISS and advanced ages are at a higher risk of death.

Hernia diafragmática congénita atascada / Stuck congenital diaphragmatic hernia

La hernia diafragmática congénita constituye uno de los retos pendientes dentro de las enfermedades quirúrgicas del recién nacido. Se presenta un caso muy inusual, en el cual se diagnosticó una hernia diafragmática derecha atascada, con compromiso de gran parte del intestino. Se describen los medios diagnósticos utilizados, el procedimiento quirúrgico realizado y las complicaciones presentadas. La hernia diafragmática congénita atascada es una complicación potencialmente letal, por el amplio compromiso vascular que produce en los órganos abdominales y que conlleva a la necrosis de estos si no se diagnostica precozmente. Por ello, debe ser considerada en el diagnóstico diferencial de la insuficiencia respiratoria en los recién nacidos y lactantes pequeños(AU)

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is one of the pending challenges in dealing with the surgical diseases of the newborn. This was a very unusual case of a right stuck diaphragmatic hernia that affected a large part of the intestine. The used diagnostic means, the surgical procedure and the observed complications were described. Stuck congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a potentially lethal complication because of the wide vascular effect on the abdominal organs, leading to their necrosis if this problem is not early diagnosed. Therefore, it must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of the respiratory failure in newborns and small infants(AU)

Outcome of blunt diaphragmatic rupture. Analysis of 44 cases.

To determine the predictors of outcome after blunt diaphragmatic rupture, the records of 44 patients aged 15-70 years (84.1% male) who underwent diaphragm repair between 1998 and 2007 were reviewed. There were 38 (86.4%) cases of acute diaphragmatic rupture and 6 (13.6%) of post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. The injury was left-sided in 30 (68.2%) patients, right-sided in 12 (27.3%), and bilateral in 2 (4.5%). The diagnosis of acute diaphragmatic rupture was made preoperatively in 28 (73.7%) patients and intraoperatively in 10 (26.3%). Repair was carried out through a thoracotomy in 31 cases, laparotomy in 4, and thoracolaparotomy in 3. The mortality rate after diaphragmatic rupture was 13.2% (5/38). The 33 survivors had a significantly younger mean age (37 vs. 57 years) and lower incidences of multiple injuries (36.4% vs. 100%) and shock (24.2% vs. 100%). Repair of diaphragmatic hernia was performed through a thoracotomy in all cases, with no mortality. It was concluded that age, associated severe multiple injuries, and clinical status were predictors of mortality after blunt diaphragmatic rupture.

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia-our experience.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience in the management of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of all patients operated for diaphragmatic hernia between January 1998 and October 2008 at S.D.S Sanitorium and Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, Bangalore, India were reviewed. Details of their clinical presentation, mode of diagnosis, operative findings and postoperative outcome were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty nine patients underwent surgery for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. The cause of rupture was blunt trauma in 24(83%) patients and penetrating trauma in 5(17%) patients. In 21 (72%) patients the diagnosis was made within 24 hrs and in 8(28%) patients the diagnosis was made after 24 hrs. Thoracotomy was the most common surgical approach used in 20(69%) patients. Post operative morbidity was 24% and mortality was 13.8%. CONCLUSION: X-ray chest is still very useful in the diagnosis of diaphragmatic ruptures. Right sided ruptures are difficult to diagnose. Diaphragmatic hernia repair can be done through a thoracotomy with acceptable results in patients without concomitant intra abdominal injuries.

Management of diaphragmatic rupture from blunt trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture is difficult, and delays could result in a catastrophic outcome. We reviewed our institution's management of patients with diaphragmatic rupture after blunt trauma. METHODS: All patients in this study were treated at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, from March 2002 to October 2008. Patients with penetrating injuries were excluded. The parameters included age, mechanism of injury, haemodynamic status at admission, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, injury severity score (ISS), imaging studies, location of diaphragmatic injuries, associated injuries and outcome. RESULTS: 14 patients with a median age of 38 years formed the study group. Vehicular-related incidents accounted for 71.4 percent of the injuries. The median GCS score on admission was 14 (range 3-15), while the median systolic blood pressure and heart rate were 94 (range 50-164) mmHg and 110 (range 76-140) beats per minute, respectively. The median ISS was 41 (range 14-66). All had chest radiographs performed in the emergency department, six (42.9 percent) had computed tomography performed before surgery, while the remaining eight (57.1 percent) were sent straight to the operating theatre from the emergency department. There were five (35.7 percent) right-sided and nine (64.3 percent) left-sided diaphragmatic ruptures. The mortality rate was 35.7 percent. Some of the associated injuries included eight (57.1 percent) splenic lacerations, five (35.7 percent) haemothorax and lung injuries, four (28.6 percent) bone fractures and three (21.4 percent) liver lacerations. 12 (85.7 percent) patients underwent repair of the diaphragmatic rupture using interrupted polypropylene suture, while the remaining two (14.3 percent) were too haemodynamically unstable to undergo definitive treatment. Advanced age, haemodynamic instability and raised ISS were associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: An accurate diagnosis of diaphragmatic rupture in trauma patients is difficult, and a thorough examination of both the hemidiaphragms is mandatory during emergency laparotomy for these patients. Those with more severe injuries and decreased physiological reserves usually fare worse.

[Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: results of the chest surgery clinic]. / Travmatik diyafram yirtigi: Bir gögüs cerrahisi klinigindeki sonuçlar.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is an urgent and life-threatening condition concerning the branches of chest surgery and general surgery because of the accompanying injuries. We reviewed the results of our cases with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture who were operated over a period of 9 years. METHODS: The patients who underwent surgery for traumatic diaphragmatic rupture in Department of Chest Surgery Medicine Faculty of Yuzuncu Yil University were included into the study. The diagnosis was established by chest X-ray, computerized thoracic tomography, abdominal ultrasonography, and contrast upper gastrointestinal imaging modalities when needed. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases (21 males, 5 females; mean age 33; range 13 to 67 years) with traumatic diaphragmatic rupture were operated in Department of Chest Surgery Medicine Faculty of Yuzuncu Yil University between August 1996 and October 2005. Treatment approach in 15 cases was thoracotomy, in 7 cases laparotomy and in 4 cases thoracotomy + laparotomy, and in all cases, diaphragma was primarily sutured. Left diaphragmatic rupture was detected in 18 cases and right diaphragmatic rupture in 8 cases. Laceration in the diaphragma ranged between 0.5 and 15 cm. Various accompanying injuries were present in all cases except one. Abdominal organs were herniated to the thorax in 12 cases. Three cases who were operated on urgently with severe accompanying injuries died. There was no mortality in the postoperative period and morbidity occurred in 5 cases. CONCLUSION: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture, when overlooked and accompanied with severe injuries, can cause complications and even death. Its diagnosis and treatment must be dealt with rapidly and cautiously.

Factors influencing mortality in traumatic ruptures of diaphragm.

BACKGROUND: Diaphragmatic injuries are infrequent but severe injuries, associated with high morbidity and mortality. METHODS: The hospital records of 58 patients with traumatic rupture of diaphragm which was diagnosed during surgery in emergency department during last five years were re-evaluated, in order to identify the factors on mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 33 years. The most common cause of diaphragmatic rupture was penetrating injury (52%). The overall mortality rate was 21%. Preoperative diagnoses were accurately made in only twelve (20%) patients and remaining 46 patients were diagnosed during surgery. Rupture was located on the left side in 42 patients. Intrathoracic herniation was seen in eleven cases. Presence of herniation has no effect on mortality (p=0.155). All cases with mortal course were blunt trauma and the most common cause of death was haemorrhagic shock. Associated injuries were present in 88% of the patients; 92% of the mortal cases had an associated injury. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury is important due to increased morbidity and mortality in traumatic victims. Blunt trauma, increased grade of injury, presence of shock, blood transfusions over three units and splenic injury are factors influencing mortality in traumatic ruptures of diaphragm.

Blunt diaphragmatic rupture: four year's experience.

BACKGROUND: Blunt diaphragmatic rupture (DR) is a rare condition usually masked by multiple associated injuries, which are the main cause of morbidity and mortality. The overall incidence of diaphragmatic injury is 0.8-5.8% in blunt trauma--2.5-5% in blunt abdominal trauma and 1.5% in blunt thoracic trauma. A correct diagnosis remains difficult and is usually made late. METHODS: Over four years 12 patients with blunt DR were treated in our hospital. Their charts and X-rays were analyzed. All the surgeons involved were interviewed. Diagnostic and treatment modalities were analyzed and discussed. RESULTS: Acute diaphragmatic rupture (ADR) was diagnosed in nine patients within seven days. Three patients presented with bowel obstruction and post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed intraoperatively. Nine patients had rupture of the left hemidiaphragm, two had rupture of the right hemidiaphragm, and one had bilateral DR. Diagnosis of DR was made in all patients in the ADR group before surgery. The correct diagnosis was made within 12 h by junior medical officers in 66.6% of cases. Two patients were diagnosed on a second chest X-ray in response to progressive respiratory distress. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired in all patients via laparotomy; only one patient required additional thoracotomy. Mortality was 25%. CONCLUSIONS: Single or serial plain chest radiographs with a high index of suspicion are diagnostic in most cases of DR. Respiratory distress should be treated with intubation as intercostal drainage (ICD) may not improve the situation and is associated with a high risk of iatrogenic injuries. Surgical repair is mandatory and laparotomy should be the preferred approach in unstable patients. To avoid missed injury thorough inspection of both hemidiaphragms should be done routinely on every trauma patient undergoing laparotomy. It is widely recommended to use non-absorbable suturing for diaphragm repair but slowly absorbable material seems reliable also.

Hernia diafragmática postraumática latente, como causa de muerte súbita en un adulto mayor / Postraumatica latent diaphragmatic hernia, as a cause of sudden death in a elderly person

Se presenta el caso de un adulto mayor, conocido consumidor habitual de licor, con antecedente de politraumatismo por precipitación 11 meses atrás, e historia de sintomatología inespecífica y muerte súbita. Al realizarse la autopsia médico legal se encontró una hernia diafragmática traumática izquierda, con el estómago completamente dentro de la cavidad pleural de ese lado. La hernia diafragmática traumática es una complicación conocida y poco común del trauma toraco abdominal cerrado, que puede permanecer latente por períodos prolongados y pasar inadvertido en un adulto mayor, haciendo que su diagnóstico diferido sea un verdadero reto para el médico. Además, puede manifestarse súbitamente, en el peor de los casos, con la muerte. Desde el punto de vista médico legal, este caso constituye una excepción, pues se trata de una muerte súbita que no obedeció a causas naturales.

Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries.

Although numerous articles have been written over the past two decades with regard to the treatment of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, little has actually changed during that time. The ability to make the diagnosis has somewhat improved because of the technologic advances in CT; however, it remains true that the best tool to guide the clinician toward the appropriate diagnosis is a high index of suspicion in patients with blunt or appropriate penetrating trauma. Although laparoscopic or thoracoscopic management of such patients may become prevalent with increasing experience, at present the open approach and simple repair remain the mainstays of management. The patient's survival still depends more on the severity of concomitant nondiaphragmatic injuries and in many cases the diaphragmatic laceration is the least worrisome and least morbid of the patient's injuries. Operative repair results in a good outcome in most patients in the absence of other serious injuries.

Perioperative survival rates after surgery for diaphragmatic hernia in dogs and cats: 92 cases (1990-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the survival rates of dogs and cats that underwent surgical treatment for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia within 24 hours of admission and determine whether timing of surgery affected perioperative survival rate. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 63 dogs and 29 cats treated surgically for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed to evaluate associations between perioperative survival rates and variables including timing of surgery in relation to admission and acute versus chronic diaphragmatic hernia. RESULTS: Among the 92 animals, 82 (89.1%) were discharged alive after surgery. Sixty-four (69.6%) patients received surgical intervention within 12 hours of admission, and 84 (91.3%) received surgical intervention within 24 hours of admission. Median time from admission to discharge was 4 days (2 to 33 days). Data for acute cases (68 dogs and cats) were analyzed separately. Sixty-three (92.6%) patients with acute diaphragmatic hernia received surgical intervention within 24 hours of admission to the hospital, and 59 (93.7%) of these patients were discharged alive. Twenty-nine (42.6%) patients with acute diaphragmatic hernia received surgical intervention within 24 hours of trauma, and 26 of 29 (89.7%) patients were discharged alive. An overall acute and chronic perioperative survival rate of 89.7% was observed in dogs and cats that received surgical intervention within 24 hours of admission. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results in 68 dogs and cats that underwent surgery within 24 hours of admission suggested that early surgical intervention for acute diaphragmatic hernia was associated with good perioperative survival rates.

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in cats: 34 cases (1991-2001).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether signalment, duration of hernia, clinical signs, contents of hernia, CBC and serum biochemical abnormalities, concurrent injuries, perioperative treatment and administration of analgesics, results of intraoperative anesthetic monitoring data, or level of training of the veterinarian performing the herniorrhaphy was associated with mortality rate after surgical repair of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in cats. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 34 cats. PROCEDURE: Review of medical records and a telephone follow-up with owners and referring veterinarians were performed. RESULTS: Mean age of affected cats was 3.6 years; cats that survived to the time of discharge were significantly younger than cats that died or were euthanatized. Tachypnee was the most common clinical sign at hospital admission; cats that survived to the time of discharge had significantly higher respiratory rates than cats that died or were euthanatized after surgery. Postoperative complications developed in 50% of cats; tachypnea and dyspnea were most common. Mortality rate was not associated with duration of hernia or results of preoperative CBC and serum biochemical analyses, but was significantly associated with concurrent injuries. Mortality rate was not associated with hernia contents, intraoperative use of positive inotropes or corticosteroids, episodes of hypotension or severe hypoxia during anesthesia, or level of training of the veterinarian performing the surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats that are older or have low to mildly increased respiratory rates and concurrent injuries are more likely to die after surgical repair of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia.

Diaphragmatic injuries.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the actual incidence rate of blunt and penetrating diaphragmatic injuries (DI); (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of urgent surgical intervention for treatment of DI; and (3) to reveal main causes of postoperative complications. METHODS: We reviewed: (1) forensic medical examination charts of 3353 subjects, who died due to polytrauma (including injuries to the chest and/or abdomen) at accident sites; and (2) medical case reports of 4857 patients, treated for thoracoabdominal trauma (TAT) from 1962 to 1998. A detailed analysis was completed with 12 years (1987--1998) of clinical experience, involving 65 (43 penetrating, and 22 blunt) cases of DI. RESULTS: According to forensic medical data, blunt and penetrating DI occurred in 3.7% and 2.6% of individual cases, respectively. Among patients suffering from TAT, it was revealed that blunt DI had occurred in 1.1%, and penetrating in 3.9% of the cases. This data indicates if all the victims, who had sustained TAT, had survived, the incidence rate of DI would have been 2.6% (blunt -- 2.1%, and penetrating -- 3.4%). All the patients, provided surgical operations due to DI, survived. Morbidity in patients, suffering from blunt and penetrating DI, was 50%, and 35%, respectively. In the group of patients, suffering from penetrating DI, shock, intrapleural and/or intraabdominal haemorrhage, and liver injuries constituted a significant (P<0.05) influence, relevant to development of postoperative complications. The risk of complications was significantly (P<0.05) greater in cases of gunshot injuries. Fractures of chest bones, injuries of abdominal organs, and intraabdominal haemorrhage constituted a significant influence (P<0.05), relevant to development of complications after blunt DI. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The danger to the health or even life of patients is not directly caused by DI, but by consequential complications and associated injuries; (2) the effectiveness of treatment is determined by purposeful surgical diagnostics with particular regard to DI and urgent surgical intervention.

Hernia diafragmática congénita: nuestra experiencia retrospectiva / Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: our restrospective experience

Se presenta un informe retrospectivo de 22 casos de hernia diafragmática congénita. Se dividieron en dos grupos de acuerdo al momento del diagnóstico, siendo prenatal en 11 pacientes y posnatal en la mitad restante. En el primer grupo el diagnóstico se hizo entre las 14 y 36 semanas de embarazo y los partos ocurrieron entre las 27 y 39 semanas. Seis niños fueron sometidos a cirugía correctora, sobreviviendo sólo 2; los otros 5 fallecieron antes de ser intervenidos, mostrando una mortalidad de 81,8 por ciento. En el segundo grupo se hizo diagnóstico entre el primer día de vida y los 11 meses de edad. Todos se sometieron a cirugía y dos fallecieron en el postoperatorio, con una mortalidad de 18,2 por ciento. La mortalidad general fue de 50 por ciento (11/22). Los resultados muestran que el diagnóstico prenatal de este defecto congénito se asocia a mayor mortalidad neonatal y se discute cuáles serían las razones de ello, así como sus implicancias para el tratamiento

Diaphragmatic herniation after penetrating trauma.

A study was made of 45 patients with diaphragmatic herniation after penetrating trauma. In 29 the diagnosis was established during the first admission (early presentation) and in 16 during a subsequent admission (delayed presentation). The mortality rate in the early presentation group was 3 per cent compared with 25 per cent in the delayed presentation group. The presence of gangrenous or perforated abdominal viscus in the chest cavity was the single most common and severe aggravating factor. The need for diagnosis of diaphragmatic herniation during the initial admission is emphasized. As isolated diaphragmatic injuries provide few helpful clinical features to aid diagnosis, appropriate investigations and good follow-up are of paramount importance in preventing late herniation of intra-abdominal viscera through a penetrating diaphragmatic injury.

Hernia diafragmática traumática / Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia

Se registran todos los casos de hernia diafragmática traumática ingresados a nuestro hospital desde el año 1949 a 1992. Se analizan 60 casos. Cincuenta hombres y 10 mujeres, la edad fluctuó de 11 a 74 años con un promedio de 39 años. Un alto índice de sospecha es el elemento más importante para el diagnóstico preoperatorio. Traumatismos penetrantes corresponden al 56,7 por ciento y los cerrados al 43,3 por ciento de los casos. La mayor parte de los traumatismos cerrados fue por accidentes de tránsito y los traumas penetrantes fue por arma blanca. El 93,3 por ciento de las hernias son del hemitórax izquierdo. El 31,7 por ciento de los pacientes se operaron en el primer mes de ocurrido el trauma. Dos pacientes no se operaron. La mortalidad de los ciencuenta y ocho casos operados es de 10,3 por ciento. La vía de acceso de elección en el paciente de urgencia es la abdominal mientras que en las tardías es la torácica

Rupture of the diaphragm after blunt trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse our cases of acute rupture of the diaphragm after blunt trauma to find out how to diagnose it earlier and manage it more promptly in future. DESIGN: Retrospective study of casenotes. SETTING: Division of general surgery, district hospital, Taiwan. PATIENTS: 50 Patients who presented with acute rupture of the diaphragm after blunt trauma during the 10 year period 1982-91. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: The left hemidiaphragm was injured in 43 cases (86%), and the right in 7 (14%). The most common cause was road traffic accidents. 48 Patients had associated injuries, mainly to the chest and abdomen, and pelvic fractures. 44 Ruptured diaphragms were diagnosed before operation by chest radiography or upper gastrointestinal contrast examination. The transabdominal approach was the most appropriate, because 23 patients had intra-abdominal visceral injuries as well. 20 Patients (40%) had complications, and the rate was 33% among those treated within 24 hours and 70% among those whose treatment was delayed longer than 24 hours (p = 0.067). There were 3 deaths (6%); one patient died of empyema of the right chest as a result of simultaneous perforation of a hollow viscus. 6 Patients were permanently disabled by head and spinal injuries, and pelvic fractures. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of repairing diaphragmatic hernias is good as the disability rate is low. The diagnosis should be kept in mind in all patients with chest injuries, pelvic fractures, or abdominal injuries with hypoxaemia, as this will result in earlier treatment and improve prognosis. The transabdominal approach is the most appropriate because it makes simultaneous abdominal injuries easier to treat. Correct operative management at an early stage will keep mortality to a minimum.

[Diaphragmatic ruptures: diagnosis--therapy--results, experiences with 64 patients]. / Zwerchfellrupturen: Diagnostik--Therapie--Ergebnisse, Erfahrungen bei 64 Patienten.

From 1963 to 1993, 64 Patients with traumatic lesions of the diaphragm were treated. 58 Patients were admitted after blunt trauma, 6 Patients after a penetrating trauma. 87.5% of the patients were male with an average age of 37 years. In about 80% of cases other severe traumatic lesions were noted in association. With 64% extremities, 50% abdomen, 47% thoracic cavity and 38% head injuries were concomitant lesions. Due to the association with pelvic fractures (45%) a special diagnostic emphasis on diaphragmatic ruptures is recommended. In 83% the left diaphragm is involved. Over the last years the right-sided rupture of the diaphragm were found in an increasing extent from 3.7% up to 26%. Conventional radiography with gastrographin swallow is still the essential diagnostic tool. Hospital mortality (12%) was mainly influenced by complications of concomitant injuries, i.e. cardio-pulmonary insufficiency, Shock and multi-organ-failure.

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. Occult marker of serious injury.

OBJECTIVE: Recent experience with traumatic diaphragmatic hernias at the Massachusetts General Hospital was reviewed to identify pitfalls in the diagnosis and treatment of this injury. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Traumatic diaphragmatic disruption is a common injury and a marker of severe trauma. It occurs in 5% of hospitalized automobile accident victims and 10% of victims of penetrating chest trauma. Numerous reports describe splenic rupture in 25% of patients with blunt diaphragmatic rupture, liver lacerations in 25%, pelvic fracture in 40%, and thoracic aortic tears in 5%. Diaphragmatic rupture is a predictor of serious associated injuries which, unfortunately, is itself often occult. METHODS: A chart review of all patients admitted to the Trauma Service with traumatic diaphragmatic hernias was undertaken for the period of January 1982 to June 1992. RESULTS: Data on 68 patients sustaining blunt (n = 25) and penetrating (n = 43) diaphragmatic rupture or laceration were presented. The diagnosis was made preoperatively in only 21 (31%). Associated injuries were frequent in those injured by either blunt or penetrating trauma. Sixty-six patients underwent repair, 54 (82%) through a laparotomy alone and 12 (18%) with the addition of a thoracotomy. There were five (7.4%) deaths that were caused by coagulopathy, hemorrhagic shock, multisystem organ failure, and pulmonary embolism. Complications were twice as frequent in the blunt-trauma group and included abscess, pneumonia, and the sequelae of closed head injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The recognition of diaphragmatic rupture is important because of the frequency and severity of associated injuries. The difficulties in reaching the diagnosis require an aggressive search in patients at risk.