Abstract
Bochdalek hernia is a rare form of diaphragmatic hernia that develops in adults. Herein, we report 2 cases of Bochdalek hernia and 1 case of a large sliding esophageal hiatal hernia that needed surgical treatment with prosthesis between February and November 2007. Out of the 3 patients, 2 had dyspnea and 1 had nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. We repaired the large defects of diaphragmas with ePTFE meshes (Gore-Tex mesh) to prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal complications. No previous studies have attempted to determine the size range of diaphragma defects that could be repaired using prosthesis such as Gore-Tex mesh. We always repair such defects using prosthesis that are 5 cm longer than the major axis of the defect. This treatment method is more safe than simple hernia defect closure.
