Bochdalek hernia in an adult

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic Bochdalek hernia is rarely seen in adults. It may present with jejunal perforation and strangulation. In a 28-year-old man presenting with nausea and vomiting, absence of respiratory murmur at auscultation, loops of small intestine with air-fluid levels were radiographically visualized in the left hemithorax. Surgery revealed 1.5-m of herniated jejunum with three perforations and necrotic areas, 40 cm of which was resected. The patient remains well ten years postoperatively.