Strangulated Diaphragmatic Hernia, Uncommon Surgical Emergency

Abstract

Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) commonly presents as a congenital posterolateral defect, which can also be acquired due to trauma or iatrogenic factors and carries a mortality rate of up to 31%. We present a 35-year-old male with a history of substance abuse, prior surgeries, and trauma presented with severe abdominal pain, dyspnea, and absent bowel movements. CT imaging revealed a type IV hiatal hernia with gastric and duodenal protrusion into the thoracic cavity.