Authors : Mohamed Elamin Ahmed, Tarig Abbass Elkhidir, Mohamed E. Abdulmajeed, Greges S.R. Kilda and Khulood A.M. Bukhari
Abstract: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is difficult to diagnose in the early stage because symptoms and signs are usually masked by other serious injuries. The aim of this study is to highlight the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, time to diagnosis, complications and operative approach associated with traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. Six patients were reviewed retrospectively in the period of 2005-2007 in El Shaab Teaching Hospital, Khartoum Sudan. Age, sex, initial clinical presentation, mechanism of injury, time to diagnosis, diagnostic method, side and site of the rupture, associated injuries, complications and morbidity were reviewed patients were found to be in the 2nd, 3rd and 6th decade of life. All were male gender and all were involved in Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs). About 5 of them sustained injury to the left side while one sustained the injury on the right side. About 4 patients presented with multiple fractures; 3 patients with shock; 6 patients with chest pain; 2 patients with SOB; 2 patients with abdominal pain and 3 patients with multiple bruises. The diagnosis ranged from the 1st day, 3 days, 2, 3 and 8 months. Variable associated injuries were found. Several complications were present: visceral herniation, gastrothorax and strangulated intestinal obstruction. Surgical option was Laparotomy in 2 patients and thoracotomy in 4 patients.
Mohamed Elamin Ahmed, Tarig Abbass Elkhidir, Mohamed E. Abdulmajeed, Greges S.R. Kilda and Khulood A.M. Bukhari, 2010. Traumatic Rupture of the Diaphragm. Surgery Journal, 5: 13-16.