Laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia

Abstract

Morgagni hernias are unusual diaphragmatic hernias which usually present in adulthood. They have traditionally been repaired through transabdominal or transthoracic approaches. The authors present a case of a laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia in a 52-year-old female. A tension free repair of the defect was accomplished utilizing Goretex (W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., North Elkton, MD) mesh. The patient had an uneventful recovery and is asymptomatic at 6 months follow-up. The etiology, diagnosis and traditional surgical approaches to this problem are discussed. A technique for laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia is described. The literature on the laparoscopic repair of a Morgagni hernia is reviewed and different operative techniques are discussed.