• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.27 no.8
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• pp.643-649
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• 1994

We evaluated sixteen patients of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries that we have experienced from Jan. 1987 to Aug 1993. Age was ranged from 6 to 71 years, predominantly in the fourth and fifth decades. 13 were male and 3 were female, a ratio of 4.3: 1. Blunt trauma was develped in 11 [Lt 7, Rt 4], penetrating trauma in 5 [Lt 2, Rt 3]. Preoperative diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury was possible in 8 patients [72.2 %] in blunt trauma, and 1 patient [20 %] in penetrating trauma. 8 cases[54.5%] in blunt trauma, and 4 cases in penetrating trauma were treated within 24 hours,meanwhile, patients treated after 10 days were 3, all by blunt trauma.The repair of 16 cases were performed with thoracic approach in 4 cases, thoracoabdominal approach in 3 cases, and abdominal approach in 9 cases. The herniated organs in thorax were stomach [5], colon [3], liver [2], and pancreas [1]. Postoperative complication were developed in 9cases[56.3%] significantly related with delayed operation time [p < 0.01 ]. Hospital mortality was 12.5 % [2/16], and the causes of death were hypovolemic shock in one and hepatic failure due to portal vein rupture in another.