RESUMO
It was difficult to determine the clinical situations of Morgagni diaphragmatic hernias of adults on account of its rarity. The aim of this study was to propose diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for adult Morgagni diaphragmatic hernias. A computerized `Korean study information co.' and `medical research information center' literature search of domestic articles published since 1950 was carried out. These 10 cases in addition to ours were analyzed. The average age at treatment was 68.7 years of age ranging from 51 to 83 years with 90.9% of patients being female. 18.2% of patients had symptoms immediately after trauma. 27.3% of patients were incorrectly diagnosed preoperatively. 90.9% of all treated Morgagni hernias were located on the right side just behind the sternum with hernia sacs. The most common contents of the hernias were the greater omentum and transverse colon. The preferred method of surgery was the trans-abdominal approach. The mortality rate of the hernias was 9.1%. Morgagni diaphragmatic hernias once diagnosed should be referred for surgical repair due to the risk of bowel perforation. The transabdominal approach or laparoscopic surgery is preferred in accurately diagnosed Morgagni diaphragmatic hernias prior to surgery.