[Blunt diaphragmatic rupture in children].

The incidence of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia due to blunt trauma, an uncommon injury in children, has been increased with the increase in automobile and pedestrian accidents. During a 5 year period, 9 patients 3-14 years of age, with acutely ruptured diaphragms following blunt trauma were treated in our institution. Diaphragmatic injury was detected within 6 hours of admission to the hospital. In 2 patients the diagnosis was suggested by upright chest X-ray. In the remaining 7 patients, the diaphragmatic ruptures were diagnosed at laparotomy performed for hemiperitoneum diagnosed by peritoneal lavage. At initial evaluation hypotension was present in all but one patient. Intraabdominal organs were herniated through the diaphragmatic defect in 3 patients. All patients had associated extraabdominal injuries and 90% had associated intraabdominal injuries. The diaphragmatic tear was repaired via abdomen in all patients and all defects were closed primarily. The mortality rate was 33.3%. Early deaths were attributable to hemorrhage and severe head injury, the single late death to sepsis and progressive multiorgan-failure.