Diagnosis and treatment of blunt diaphragmatic rupture

A retrospective analysis was carried out in 36 patients with blunt diaphragmatic rupture during March 1991 and March 2006. Twenty-two diagnoses were confirmed preoperatively, and the rest 14were confirmed perioperatively. Three patients underwent surgical treatment after no response to conservative therapy. Thoracotomy was performed in 21 patients, laparotomy in 9, thoracotomy plus laparotomy in 5 and combined thoraco-laparotomy in 1. Most diaphragmatic rupture may be caused by blunt collision and could lead to thoracoabdominal injury. In spite of high mortality rate, the condition is usually under diagnosed. Definite diagnosis and timely operation are important to increase survival rate and reduce mortality. Key words: Wound and injuries; Diaphragm