Surgical repair of diaphragmatic hernia in a cat maintained on mechanical IPPV using a bain circuit

Abstract

10-month-old female domestic shorthair cat weighing 3.2 kg was presented with dyspnea and lethargy following a fall from height. Radiographic examination revealed cranial displacement of the stomach axis, along with the spleen and mesentry, obscured visualization of the liver, and loss of the diaphragmatic line, suggestive of a diaphragmatic hernia. Surgical herniorrhaphy was performed via a ventral midline celiotomy under anesthesia induced with propofol (6 mg/kg IV) and maintained with isoflurane using intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) through mechanical Bain circuit ventilation. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired with simple interrupted sutures using 2-0 Prolene. Thoracocentesis was performed intraoperatively using a butterfly canula to reestablish negative intrathoracic pressure. Postoperative radiographs confirmed normal positioning of abdominal organs and an intact diaphragm. The cat recovered uneventfully, with sutures removed on the 12th postoperative day, and exhibited normal breathing. This case highlights the successful management of a feline diaphragmatic hernia with mechanical ventilation and surgical repair.