A Clinical Analysis of 20 cases of Diaphragmic Rupture

Lee, Gye Sun; Jung, Jin Ak; Keum, Dong Yoon; Ahn, Jung Tae; Lee, Jae Won; Shin, Je Kyoun

Abstract

BACKGROUND: According to the changes in the Environmental factors, traumatic diaphragmic rupture is seen in increasing frequency. Many reports described the early diagnostic methods and treatment modalities. In our institution, a study was retrospectively performed to obtain the early diagnostic and treatment methods of diaphragmic ruptures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From January 1994 to April 1998, 20 patients with traumatic rupture of the diaphragm were treated in our institution and We analyzed the patients in preoperative clinical presentations, diagnostic accuracies, associated injuries and postoperative complications. RESULT: Socially active male patients were affected most. 75% of patients had blunt trauma and 25% had penetrating injury. There were 16 cases of ruptured right diaphragm, 3 cases of left diaphragm and 1 case on both. Preoperative diagnosis were possible in 10 patients (50%) and 6 patients(30%) were diagnosed intraoperatively, but 4 patients (20%) were diagnosed in the late stages. Most common postoperative complication was wound infection, and two died of associated injuries.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that if there is suspicion of diaphragmic rupture after a trauma, careful study and examination is essential and interdepartmental collaboration is very important.