Traumatic Injuries of the Diaphragm

외상성 횡경막 손상

Traumatic injuries of the diaphragm are not an infrequent occurrence with rise in violence and increasing use of automobiles, more diaphragmatic injuries may be seen. Fifty cases from Severance hospital were reviewed of these there were 27 injuries secondary to blunt trauma and 23 penetrating injuries, and occurred commonly in male. In blunt trauma, right and left diaphragmatic injuries occurred equally. Chest X * ray were normal in 18 cases [36 %], a hemo-and/or pneumothorax was present in 22 cases [44 %], and only 12 cases[24 %] were diagnosed or suspected as diaphragmatic injuries preoperatively. Seventeen cases underwent thoracotomy alone, 19 cases required laparotomy only, and 14 had combined thoracotomy and laparotomy. There were 5 deaths [10 % mortality], and all deaths related to the severity of associated injuries. It was concluded that injuries of the diaphragm should be suspected in all patients with severe blunt torso trauma or penetrating injuries near the diaphragm.