Case report
Post-traumatic tension faecopneumothorax in a young male: case report
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* Corresponding author: J Kelly jukelly@rcsi.ie
Department of General Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
World Journal of Emergency Surgery 2008, 3:20 doi:10.1186/1749-7922-3-20
Published: 12 July 2008Abstract
Diaphragmatic rupture due to trauma is both well recognised and uncommon. The difficulties in diagnosing traumatic diaphragmatic rupture at the first admission are the most common causes of latent morbidity and mortality. Herniation of the abdominal viscera is the most common sequel with strangulation and perforation the most serious complication. This case outlines the delayed presentation of diaphragmatic rupture and herniation presenting as an acute tension faecopneumothorax. We review the relevant literature, with particular emphasis on the difficulties in diagnosis at presentation.