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Mediastinal shift secondary to a diaphragmatic hernia: a life-threatening combination

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Abstract

An 85-year-old man was referred to our department, with a three-day history of increasing shortness of breath. Following clinical and radiological assessment, diaphragmatic herniation of bowel was identified to be causing mediastinal shift and respiratory distress. An emergency laparotomy identified a massive diaphragmatic defect which was not amenable to primary closure. A colopexy procedure was performed to comparmentalise the abdomen and obliterate the diaphragmatic defect. Despite aggressive treatment in the intensive care unit he died from multi-organ failure. This case highlights an extremely rare and life-threatening cause of mediastinal shift and respiratory distress.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AB, Northern Ireland, UK

    A. S. Campbell, M. E. O’Donnell & J. Lee

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  1. A. S. Campbell
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  2. M. E. O’Donnell
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  3. J. Lee
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Correspondence to M. E. O’Donnell.

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Sources of financial support: None.

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Campbell, A.S., O’Donnell, M.E. & Lee, J. Mediastinal shift secondary to a diaphragmatic hernia: a life-threatening combination. Hernia 11, 377–379 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-007-0202-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-007-0202-y

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