[Traumatic hernias of the right hemidiaphragm].

Four cases of right traumatic diaphragmatic hernia are reported. The original aspect of this type of lesion is that herniation of abdominal viscera into the chest is usually delayed due to the liver temporary plugging of the diaphragmatic defect. Diagnostic importance of diaphragm elevation combined with mediastinal push-back is stressed, as well as the value of x-ray examination following pneumoperitoneum. Reduction of the hernia and repair of the diaphragmatic defect can easily be accomplished by abdominal route alone, instead by a transthoracic approach usually preferred by surgeons in delayed presentation, particularly in those patients with marked limitation of pulmonary reserve.