Congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia in the adult.

Bochdalek's hernia, congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia, is common in children but rarely occurs in adults. The authors report two such adult cases. One of the hernias was on the left and the other on the right. Both patients had gastrointestinal symptoms. The approach was abdominal in one and thoracoabdominal in the other. There were no operative or postoperative complications. The possibility of congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who have recurrent gastrointestinal and respiratory complaints. A complete roentgenologic examination is necessary in order to make an accurate diagnosis preoperatively. Because of the danger of strangulation of the hernia, operation should be carried out as soon as the diagnosis is made.