The role of thoracoscopy in diagnosis of hidden diaphragmatic injuries in penetrating Thoracoabdominal Traumas

Complications like chronic diaphragmatic hernia thoracoabdominal stab wound following conservative treatment, make it necessary to find a safe and exact diagnostic method. The aim of this work was to assess, accurate diagnostic value of thoracoscopy in occult diaphragmatic injuries in penetrating thoracoabdominal stab wound. In the present prospective study, from March 2005 to October 2007 at Ghaem, Emam Reza and Shahid Kamyab Hospitals of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, thirty patients with penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries, with stable hemodynamic and no need to emergent exploration were evaluated. They underwent thoracoscopy to evaluate probable diaphragmatic injuries, which were repaired via thoracoscopy or laparatomy and all patients evaluated for chronic diaphragmatic hernia by CT-scan, 6 months later. Mean age was 26.2 years and M/F ratio was 5:1. In thoracoscopic evaluations five hidden diaphragmatic injuries (16.7%) were observed, that 3 cases (9.9%) were repaired through thoracoscopic approach and laparatomy was inevitable in 2 (6.6%) patients. Lung paranchymal laceration was seen in 2 patients (6.6%), repaired with thoracoscopy and intra abdominal injury was seen in 1 patient (3.3%), repaired with loparatomy. No complication reported after thoracoscopy and there was no evidence of chronic diaphragmatic hernia in the chest and abdominal CT-scan performed 6 months later. In this study, the diagnostic accuracy of thoracoscopy in occult diaphragmatic injuries was 100%. Because of high diagnostic accuracy rate, and minimal invasively diagnostic and treatment ability of thoracoscopy, this diagnostic method in all clinically stable patients with penetrating thoracoabdominal stab wound is recommended.