Adult Bochdalek hernia--clinical features, management and results of treatment.

We herein present 2 cases of adult Bochdalek hernia. Only a total of 51 such cases have been reported since 1958, and we have reviewed these cases and discussed their clinical features, operative treatment and final outcome. The majority of these patients presented as acute surgical emergencies and a lack of awareness of this condition lead to an incorrect diagnosis in 38 per cent. Intestinal obstruction with left lung signs and a non-distended abdomen in an adult patient should arouse suspicion of this condition. A plain X-ray of the chest and contrast studies of the gastrointestinal tract are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. A previous normal chest X-ray does not rule out a diaphragmatic hernia, as the defect may be plugged by the spleen or by the presence of a confining sac. The high incidence of strangulation emphasises the need for early diagnosis and prompt operative management which gives highly satisfactory results.