BACKGROUND: Our aim is to investigate treatment modalities and the results of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture in our trauma patients.
METHODS: In this retrospective study, 48 patients admitted to our hospital between 1997-2000 with diaphragmatic injury were evaluated according to the type of injury; diagnostic methods, associated organ injury; treatment modality; morbidity and mortality. Injury severity score (ISS) was used in patients with associated organ injury to assess the effect on mortality.
RESULTS: There was penetrating injury in 69 % and blunt injury in 31% of patients. Physical examination and X-ray films were enough in the diagnosis of 66.6 % of patients. There was associated organ injury in 83.3% and isolated diaphragm injury in 16.6 % of patients. The morbidity and mortality ratio were 8.3 % and 10.4 % respectively. There was no difference between mortality ratio of penetrating and blunt trauma statistically (p > 0.05). On the other hand, in regard with morbidity and mortality; the injury severity score was higher in patients with associated organ injury (p < 0.000 1).
CONCLUSION: Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is usually seen with associated organ injury and mortality and morbidity are higher in this case.