Thoracoscopy as an aid to the diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury in penetrating wounds of the left lower chest: a preliminary report.

In an attempt to evaluate the place of thoracoscopy, the investigation was performed on 11 patients with penetrating wounds of the left lower chest, who had no definite clinical or radiological indication for operation. In 6 patients the diaphragm was seen clearly, and in 2 of these an unsuspected diaphragmatic injury was found. Both injuries were later confirmed at operation. The other 4 patients had intact diaphragms and were successfully treated conservatively. It is suggested that thoracoscopy is a useful aid in the diagnosis of left-sided, diaphragmatic injury and that the best results are obtained if it is performed within 24 hours of the injury.