A case report of Morgagni herniation operated through thoracic approach and resulting in marked improvement of lung function

Abstract

A 76-year-old woman visited our hospital because of dyspnea on effort. Chest X-rays showed abnormal shadow in the right lower lung field. CT scan and MRI revealed a Morgagni herniation.
Herniation was repaired through a thoracic approach. Part of the large intestine and greater omentum had herniated into the thoracic cavity and caused atelectasis of the right middle lobe. Defect of diaphragm was 5 × 6 cm, and was closed with Marlex mesh.
Even though thoracotomy has been reported to worsen post-operated lung function, we chose a thoracic approach to repair Morgagni herniation and obtained marked improvement of lung function.