Repair of Acute Diaphragmatic Injury Diagnosed within Few Days of Trauma via Thoracic Approach

Abstract BackgroundDiagnosis of diaphragmatic injury (DI) in acute trauma sittings is challenging and missed or delayed detection is not uncommon. The surgical approach for repair of acute diaphragmatic injury is mainly determined by the presence of associated injuries. In the majority of cases repair is accomplished through exploratory laparotomy together with dealing with associated intra-abdominal injuries.Cases presentationWe reported 5 cases (4 males and 1 female), age ranging from 21 to 52 years, with acute blunt diaphragmatic injury. There was a latent period of few days (ranging from 3 to 8 days) before definite diagnosis and surgical intervention. All patients were managed through small lower posterolateral thoracotomy approach without complication.ConclusionRepair of diaphragmatic injury via thoracic approach is easy, safe, and efficient. We recommend thoracic approach especially on the right side even in acute situation in absence of other indications for laparotomy.