Diaphragmatic Eventration Mimicking Large Bowel Intestinal Obstruction – Case Report

Abstract

Diaphragmatic eventration that leads to large bowel intestinal obstruction is a rare occurrence, often presenting with vague symptoms. Early diagnosis and prompt management are crucial to prevent the resulting significant morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a 51-year-old trader who presented with a sudden onset of colicky abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and an inability to pass feces or flatus. He had a history of blunt chest trauma owing to an assault by an unknown person a year prior to his presentation. On evaluation, he was observed to be in acute painful distress with generalized tenderness and hyperactive bowel sounds. Breath sounds were reduced over the left lower lung zones. Chest X-ray revealed diaphragmatic eventration with herniated bowel loops. An emergency left posterolateral thoracotomy was performed, which resulted in reduction of the herniated contents and plication of the diaphragm.

Keywords

• diaphragmatic eventration
• intestinal obstruction
• plication