MINIMALLY INVASIVE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC POST-TRAUMATIC DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA WITH DELAYED CLINICAL MANIFESTATION

Background: Post-traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (PTDH) is a rare condition that can transition from acute to chronic states, often eluding immediate diagnosis due to obscured symptoms in the emergency setting. The delayed manifestation of PTDH can lead to severe complications such as intestinal obstruction and respiratory distress associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Case description: We report a case involving a 74-year-old female patient with delayed onset of symptoms of chronic PTDH (CPTDH) with a history of traffic accident three years before presentation, successfully treated with a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach. Conclusion: Early recognition and adequate management of CPTDH are crucial for minimizing morbidity and mortality. Minimally invasive techniques provide notable benefits in patient care, underscoring the ongoing advancement in surgical approaches.