Diaphragmatic rupture during labour, two years after an intra-oesophageal rupture of a bronchogenic cyst treated by an omental wrapping

Abstract

We report the case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman, presenting a rare but potentially fatal complication of an omental wrapping, transposed in the thorax by a phrenotomy due to an intra-oesophageal rupture of a bronchogenic cyst. Two years later, on time of delivery of her first pregnancy, she has presented a diaphragmatic rupture with a complete transposition of the volvuled stomach. The diagnosis was done using the Gastrographin transit and the CT-scan, showing the specific 'Collar sign'. An urgent surgical correction was performed including the re-instatement of all abdominal organs in the peritoneum, the omental wrapping section and the diaphragmatic closure. The two-year follow-up was uneventful. We discuss the case, the investigations needed and the possibility to cut the omental wrapping without any complication two years after this oesophageal re-inforcement. In conclusion, we believe that omental transpositions must always be done using the retrosternal route or by transhiatal approach to avoid this serious complication after delivery.