Article ID: 35.1_02
We report the successful repair of a diaphragmatic injury caused by a chest stab employing a transthoracic surgical approach with thoracoscopy. A 60-year-old man was stabbed in the left neck and left chest while sleeping. He was taken to a nearby hospital, and diagnosed with left diaphragmatic injury by CT and transferred to our hospital for further examination and treatment. We repaired the diaphragm via a transthoracic approach because physical findings and CT demonstrated no abdominal organ injury. He recovered smoothly and was discharged on the 14th hospital day. Diaphragmatic injuries due to chest-penetrating trauma can be repaired by a transthoracic approach if abdominal organ injury is absent. A chest approach should be considered from the viewpoint of ease of operation and reduction of postoperative complications.
