Introduction: Intra-thoracic herniation of abdominal organs following diaphragmatic rupture represents an unusual clinical occurrence that poses great diagnostic difficulty.
Presentation of case: We report a rare case of delayed total hepatothorax caused by a right sided post-traumatic diaphragmatic rupture in a 67 year old male. Reduction of the liver in the abdominal cavity and repair of the diaphragm was feasible via a thoraco-abdominal approach. Postoperative chest radiography showed normal position of the right diaphragmatic border.
Discussion: Characteristics of right diaphragmatic rupture and subsequent complications are reviewed with the aim to reinforce physicians' awareness of this uncommon clinical condition in order to establish a timely diagnosis and reduce the mortality related burden.
Conclusion: Surgeons should consider this entity in the differential diagnosis of injured patients experiencing sudden respiratory distress during hospitalization as well as days or months after discharge.
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