Prosthetic replacement of entire left hemidiaphragm in malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the diaphragm.

A case of primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the diaphragm which, to our knowledge, is the first record in the world literature, is presented. It occupied almost the entire left hemidiaphragm and was surgically removed with the left lower pulmonary lobe, stomach, colon, and spleen. The entire left hemidiaphragm then was replaced with Marlex mesh. Prosthetic replacement of the entire hemidiaphragm, which has not been previously reported, was successfully performed with preservation of pulmonary function on the affected side. The patient died of brain metastases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma more than 4 months postoperatively. Diagnosis of diaphragmatic tumors and a technique which involves the use of a prosthesis are discussed.