DIAPHRAGMATIC INJURIES

A 6-year series of 26 patients with diaphragmatic injury is presented, 15 with rupture from blunt injuries and 11 after penetrating injuries . All had associated injuries and seven died because of these. The dia gnosis may be difficult and was consequently delayed in two patients. Eleven ruptured diaphragms were diagnosed before operation, 14 on the operating table and one at autopsy (dead on arrival). Herniation of ab dominal organs was seen in nine of 15 patients after blunt injuries. I n most patients repair was via laparotomy using absorbable sutures. It is essential that the surgeon should be aware of the possibility of t he diagnosis and the associated severe injuries. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd.