Delayed presentation of diaphragmatic hernia as acute intestinal obstruction due to an old penetrating trauma: a rare case report

Acquired diaphragmatic hernias can result from all types of trauma (blunt, penetrating or can be spontaneous in rare cases), with blunt forces accounting for the majority. Such hernias are more likely to be seen on the left than the right side as liver provides a cushion effect on the right side. Such patients can present years after the initial trauma. Early presentation may be associated with shortness of breath, respiratory distress, abdominal pain and ipsilateral absent breath sounds or bowel auscultation in chest. Smaller defects generally present late. Depending on involvement of other organs, mortality rates can reach 25%. This is a case report of young male with old penetrating abdominal trauma presenting to us with signs and symptoms of acute intestinal obstruction.