Thoracoabdominal herniation--but not as you know it.

Thoracoabdominal hernias are uncommon following blunt trauma. If diaphragmatic rupture does occur, the abdominal viscera can herniate into the thorax through the diaphragm. We report a rare case of thoracoabdominal herniation in which the bowel herniated through the lateral abdominal wall, migrating cranially and entering the thorax through an intercostal defect. This case highlights the need for early and definitive surgical repair.