The etiology, diagnosis and management of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias were discussed, and a personal series of 61 hernias was reviewed. The need for a greater clinical awareness of the condition was stressed. Chest roentgenograms were shown to be the most effective diagnostic method, and thoracoscopy was recommended in all hernias that occurred within 24 hours of the injury. Barium contrast studies of the gastrointestinal tract have limitations, and caution was advised with these methods when dealing with patients presenting in acute crisis. Computerized tomographic scanning is becoming increasingly more valuable in the investigation of this condition, but the author hesitates to recommend its routine use. A plea was made for the abdominal approach to diaphragmatic hernias. The value of this approach was illustrated by the successful repair of 58 of 61 hernias through a laparotomy.
讨论了创伤性膈疝的病因、诊断及处理，并回顾了作者个人收集的61例膈疝病例。强调了提高对该病临床认识的必要性。胸部X线片被证明是最有效的诊断方法，对于伤后24小时内发生的所有膈疝，建议采用胸腔镜检查。胃肠道钡剂造影检查有局限性，在处理急性危象患者时，对这些方法应谨慎使用。计算机断层扫描在该病的检查中越来越有价值，但作者对推荐其常规使用仍有所犹豫。文中呼吁采用腹部入路治疗膈疝。通过剖腹手术成功修复了61例中的58例膈疝，说明了这种入路的价值。
