In the patient presenting with bowel obstruction certain historical findings should raise the possibility of an occult diaphragmatic hernia.
Situations suggestive of diaphragmatic hernia in a patient with bowel obstruction:
(1) history of prior chest trauma, particularly stab wound
(2) presence of a left pleural density
(3) small bowel obstruction without abdominal scar or hernia
(4) large bowel obstruction in a young individual
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Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Surgery, general, Cardiology
ICD-10: ,
