Post-nephrectomy diaphragmatic hernia. Increase suspicion and decrease morbi-mortality: two cases report

Abstract

Post-nephrectomy diaphragmatic hernia is an extremely rare condition. The symptoms may be acute or latent and will depend on the herniated organ, which makes it difficult to suspect. Therefore, it is necessary to know about this type of iatrogenic hernia to avoid a delay in diagnosis. A radiological confirmation with computed tomography and early surgical treatment greatly decreased the morbidity and mortality. We report two cases: a 76-year-old male, who underwent a right nephrectomy 18 days prior due to a renal carcinoma; and a 59-year-old woman, who underwent the procedure 4 years prior due to left renal atrophy.