Acute Intestinal Obstruction due to Strangulated Diaphragmatic Hernia in a 45-Year-Old Male Post- Traumatic Patient: A Case Report Concerning a Case Admitted to the Emergency Department of Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat

Ben Lahsen Mohamed*, Sekkat Hamza, Hrora Abdelmalek, Sabbah Farid, Raiss Mohamed and Bakkali Younes

Department of General Surgery, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco

^*Correspondance to: Ben Lahsen Mohamed 

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Abstract:

Background: Post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (DH) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of blunt abdominal trauma. Delayed presentation, often years after the initial injury, can lead to acute intestinal obstruction (AIO) and bowel strangulation if not promptly recognized and managed. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 45-year-old male with a history of blunt abdominal trauma four years prior, who presented to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Imaging revealed herniation of a small bowel loop through a left-sided diaphragmatic defect, consistent with a strangulated DH. Emergency laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis, revealing a 5 cm diaphragmatic defect with viable herniated small bowel. The defect was repaired using interrupted non-absorbable sutures reinforced with synthetic mesh. The patient recovered uneventfully and remained asymptomatic at six-month follow-up. Discussion: Delayed post-traumatic DHs are uncommon and can present with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms, posing diagnostic challenges. Computed tomography (CT) remains the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis. Prompt surgical repair is critical to prevent ischemia and reduce mortality. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for diaphragmatic hernia in patients with prior blunt abdominal trauma presenting with acute intestinal obstruction. Early imaging and timely surgical intervention are essential to achieve favorable outcomes.

Keywords:

Post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, Acute intestinal obstruction, Blunt abdominal trauma, Strangulation, Emergency surgery

Cite the Article:

Mohamed BL, Hamza S, Abdelmalek H, Farid S, Mohamed R, Younes B. Acute Intestinal Obstruction due to Strangulated Diaphragmatic Hernia in a 45-Year-Old Male Post-Traumatic Patient: A Case Report Concerning a Case Admitted to the Emergency Department of Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2025; 10: 2794..