Acute diaphragmatic hernia caused by blunt trauma.

Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is being more frequently diagnosed in the acute phase because of a higher degree of alertness. Over a period of eight years the authors treated 16 patients. Associated injuries were present in eight cases and were responsible for the two deaths. The chest roentgenogram was diagnostic in most cases, but serial films and contrast examinations eventually were necessary. In order to attain a low morbidity and mortality rate, early surgery is recommended.