Traumatic diaphragmatic injuries

ABSTRACT

Traumatic diaphragmatic injury is a potentially serious complication, which can be overlooked at the time of presentation. 1 present 15 cases of blunt [14] and penetrating [one] injuries of the diaphragm encountered during surgical practice in 4 years time. Most of the injuries were on the left side [12 cases], 2 on the right side and only one case with bilateral injury. Rupture was correctly diagnosed or suspected in 12 cases. High suspicion index is required to diagnose such cases. 1 failed to diagnose 3 cases. The diaphragmatic injuries are almost always associated with other injuries and prognosis depends upon presence of such associated injuries. Chest X-rays proved to be of great value in diagnosing diaphragmatic injuries and other diagnostic aids are occasionally needed. All cases treated surgically using polypropylene mesh and very good results obtained except for little morbidities unrelated to the diaphragmatic injury itself and one recorded mortality due to severe head injury