Gangrenous Colon in a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia at 23 years: A Case Report

Abstract

Diaphragmatic hernias are congenital and commonly occur in neonates. A gangrenous transverse colon in a congenital diaphragmatic hernia is even rarer in adults. The study aims to demonstrate a gangrenous colon in congenital diaphragmatic hernia at 23 years.

The patient presented with features of intestinal obstruction and respiratory distress. The chest radiograph indicated a large bowel in the left chest cavity. CT scan of the chest confirmed a diaphragmatic hernia with its complications. The histological diagnosis was gangrenous colon in keeping with strangulated hernia. At laparotomy, a left diaphragmatic defect of 4-5 cm and a gangrenous transverse colon in the left chest cavity were found. The gangrenous colon was resected and created a transverse colostomy. A left thoracostomy tube was inserted. After 3 months the colostomy reversal was done and the recovery was uneventful.

The report demonstrated a rare case of gangrenous colon in a congenital diaphragmatic hernia at 23 years managed by surgery via an abdominal approach.