In this case report, the diagnostic challenge and emergency management of a Bochdalek hernia in adults in Mexico are outlined. This case report can help the medical community to consider the clinical presentation in adults and the importance of early diagnosis and management. We present a 57-year-old female patient with a history of arterial hypertension who, following a bout of abdominal pain, was diagnosed with a Bochdalek hernia. Following emergency surgery, there was an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which was continuously monitored due to the possibility of compartment syndrome, potentially necessitating a second emergency surgery.

Bochdalek hernias are rare diaphragmatic hernias most commonly seen in pediatric populations. Adults with this condition may be asymptomatic or present with gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, pressure, choking, or dysphagia. Computed tomography imaging is a gold standard in diagnosing the condition. The definitive treatment is surgery, recommended and encouraged for asymptomatic patients as well to reduce the risk of future complications. Whilst the approach to surgical management differs on a case-by-case basis, the main goal is to reduce the herniating organ and repair the defect. It is important to note that in severe cases, intestinal obstruction and strangulation may occur. We present a unique case of this very phenomenon in a patient diagnosed and treated as a case of strangulated Bochdalek hernia. We aim to highlight the importance of diagnosing this condition as clinical symptoms may be non-specific, and rapid surgical intervention is necessary.

Hiatal hernias and Bochdalek hernias are two types of diaphragmatic hernias that present with similar symptoms. However, they differ in their etiology and anatomical location. In this case study, we present the clinical features and management of a patient who presented with symptoms suggestive of a hiatal hernia but was later diagnosed with a Bochdalek hernia. Our case has a 64-year-old female patient who presented with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. During her pulmonologist-ordered imaging, which included a CT scan, the report showed a large 8 cm hiatal hernia. Due to her condition, she was scheduled for a hiatal hernia repair, along with a transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) procedure. During the operation, a large defect was seen in the left hemidiaphragm with herniation of bowel loops into the chest cavity. It was confirmed to be a Bochdalek hernia. The surgeon proceeded to continue the laparoscopic repair, pulling the bowel back into the abdomen, and using the falciform ligament of the liver to buttress the diaphragm. The surgery was a success, and the patient had no postoperative complications. This case serves as a reminder that a high degree of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of Bochdalek hernias, especially in patients with atypical presentations or imaging findings suggestive of an alternative diagnosis, such as a hiatal hernia. The patient had chronic symptoms of various gastrointestinal and respiratory comorbidities, which should serve as a caution for clinicians to carefully consider the possibility of a Bochdalek hernia when evaluating patients with similar symptoms. This case study also illustrates the success of a minimally invasive surgical approach for repairing a Bochdalek hernia, with the use of laparoscopic techniques and using falciform ligament to support the diaphragm.

BACKGROUND: A Bochdalek hernia (BH) is a type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. We herein describe an adult woman with a BH triggered by pregnancy and treated by laparoscopic surgery.
METHODS: A 26-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of abdominal pain and dyspnea resulting from a left diaphragmatic hernia. She was diagnosed with a BH and underwent laparoscopic surgery. Her postoperative progress was satisfactory, and no recurrence was found at follow-up approximately 1 year later.
CONCLUSIONS: A recently published study reviewing detailed cases of laparoscopic and/or thoracoscopic repair of adult BH from 1999 to 2016 identified 30 cases. A laparoscopic approach for treatment of BH has recently attracted increasing interest.
CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery can be safely performed on adults with BH without complications.