Laparoscopic Approach to the Management of Penetrating Traumatic Diaphragmatic Injury

Background: Traditionally, laparotomy/thoracotomy is the standard approach for thoracoabdominal injuries. However, it has a non-therapeutic rate of 12-40% and 40% morbidity. Laparoscopy, as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality, has evolved to be integral to general and subspecialty surgeons in the management of patients. However, its use in the field of trauma surgery has been limited. We present a case of traumatic diaphragmatic injury from a low velocity penetrating wound successfully repaired through laparoscopic approach.

Case Presentation: A 20 year old male, presented with a traumatic diaphragmatic injury secondary to a low velocity penetrating injury. A computed tomographic scan revealed a tear on the left diaphragm with the superior pole of the spleen and omentum eviscerating through. He subsequently underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and primary repair of the diaphragmatic injury. His recovery was uneventful and he was discharged on the third postoperative day.

Conclusion: A review of current literature and our case suggest that the use of laparoscopy for the management of penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries is continually evolving and has shown to be a promising approach compared to traditional laparotomy in carefully selected patients. Laparoscopic repair of penetrating traumatic diaphragmatic injuries is a safe and expedient option for hemodynamically stable patients.