Left thoraco-abdominal wound as a cause of diaphragmatic hernia. Presentation of three cases

Abstract

Injuries caused by white arms in the thoraco-abdominal region have the potential to damage both anatomical cavities: thorax and abdomen, with the subsequent injury of the diaphragm muscle and the production of a visceral hernia, associated or not with visceral injury. In case this clinical entity is overlooked, there is a high probability of life-threatening complications; therefore, adequate management is a challenge for the general surgeon, who needs a high index of suspicion to formulate the diagnosis. Three cases of victims of assault with a perforating-cutting weapon in the left thoraco-abdominal region are presented, attended in facilities where limited diagnostic resources were available. Clinical data, diagnostic support tests, surgical procedure, postoperative course and progress are explained. The abdominal surgical approach is the gold rule for repairing the injured diaphragm, and the minimal thoracostomy is effective when there is thoracic involvement.

Keywords

• heridas y traumatismos
• heridas punzantes
• técnicas de cierre de herida abdominal
• hernia diafragmática traumática