<Original Report>TRAUMATIC RIGHT-SIDED DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA : A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF JAPANESE CASES

Abstract

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia has become a more frequent problem as a result of the increasing number of traffic accidents. A 40-year-old male with traumatic rupture of the right diaphragm and displacement of the liver into the right thorax is described. The cases of right-sided traumatic diaphragmatic hernia reported in Japan are reviewed. Right-sided diaphragmatic hernia is rare. The possible reasons for this rarity are discussed, and it is stressed that if there are no abnormal signs or symptoms immediately after the injury, long-term follow up observations are necessary.