Rudolf Baron Buxhoeveden, MD, Francisco Schlottmann, Florencia Ocariz, Gustavo Bugari. Hospital Aleman de Buenos Aires
Introduction: Morgagni’s hernia is a consequence of a congenital defect in the fusion of the central and lateral aspect of the diaphragm. Therefore there is a small retrosternal diaphragmatic defect, through which some abdominal viscera can herniate. We present a case of laparoscopic approach for the treatment of Morgagni’s hernia.
Description of contents: 76 year old woman, who presented to our clinic complaining of occasional abdominal discomfort for many years along with worsening dyspnea during the last months. Her past medical history was significant for asthma and atrial fibrillation. A CT scan of the abdomen and chest revealed the presence of a Morgagni’s hernia on the right chest with colon within the sac.
Decision was made to approach this case laparoscopically. The colon was restored to the abdomen. The hernia sac was dissected and then transected. The hernia defect was closed using interrupted stitches of non-absorbable suture and reinforced with mesh. The patient recovered well and was discharged home on postoperative day 3. Her follow up CT scan showed no hernia recurrence.
Comments and/or observations: laparoscopic repair of Morgagni’s hernia can be performed safely, providing minimal discomfort to the patient and fast recovery.