Anaesthetic management of diaphragmatic hernia in elderly woman: A case report

Abstract

Anteromedial sub costosternal defects, also referred as Morgagni diaphragmatic hernia, is the potentially life-threatening herniation of the abdominal contents into the thorax. Being only a small fraction of all types of congenital diaphragmatic hernias, precise diagnosis of Morgagni Hernia is often deferred, owing to the nonspecific associated respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Once recognized, the primary management for both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases are surgical repair as there is increased risk of strangulation of hernia contents. Various abdominal and thoracic surgical repair approaches have been described. Cardiopulmonary compromise due to the hernial content’s mass effect on heart, lungs, and risk of strangulation poses a great challenge to anaesthesiologists. This case highlights the key feature of the effective anaesthetic management of adult-onset Morgagni hernia posted for laparoscopic repair.