ABSTRACT
Diaphragmatic hernia in the absence of trauma in adults is very rare. It occurs as a result of unilateral diaphragmatic agenesis. The diagnosis of this rare condition is typically made in early infancy. However, in asymptomatic patients, the diagnosis is often delayed for months and even years. We present a case of a 27-year-old female, who was referred 48-hours after Caesarean section with suspected pulmonary embolism. Computed tomography scan revealed herniation of the liver as well as bowel loops into the right hemi-thorax. Exploration through a right thoracotomy revealed right diaphragmatic agenesis. The contents were reduced into the abdomen, and the defect was repaired using a mesh. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged home 10 days later. This case highlights the acute late presentation of right diaphragmatic eventration with abdominal visceral herniation in adulthood. The condition may be triggered by the increasing size of gravid uterus.
ABSTRACT
Colonic duplication is a rare congenital anomaly that is often diagnosed in childhood, but may go unrecognised until adulthood. It often presents with chronic abdominal pain and constipation, and the preoperative diagnosis may be difficult. We present a case of sigmoid duplication in a 33-year-old Indonesian woman who presented with right-sided colicky abdominal pain and vomiting. Clinical examination was unremarkable and radiological investigations raised the possibility of a giant colon diverticulum. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy that revealed a tubular sigmoid duplication. A sigmoid colectomy with end-to-end anastomosis was performed. She was discharged a week later and remained well at 1 year follow-up. Colon duplications rarely present in adult life and the accurate diagnosis is often made at laparotomy.
