Intrathoracic gastric perforation secondary to post-traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: a case report

Authors

  • Amal Lahssini Department of Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9950-0580
  • Rachid Taoufiq Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5377-127X
  • Wafae Elaamadi Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8546-3340
  • Noran Zemraoui Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
  • Mohammed Bouchikh Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8984-5303
  • Achir Abdellah Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66636/gmj.v1.i3.a167

Keywords:

diaphragmatic rupture, penetrating trauma, gastric herniation, gastric perforation, thoracotomy, case report

Abstract

Background: Post-traumatic diaphragmatic injury is a rare but life-threatening condition. Early diagnosis remains challenging, as clinical signs may be nonspecific and masked by associated thoracoabdominal injuries.

Case presentation: We report the case of a 30-year-old male who sustained a left-sided penetrating thoracic trauma from a knife assault, complicated by diaphragmatic rupture with gastric herniation and perforation into the pleural cavity. The patient presented with haemodynamic instability and respiratory distress requiring emergent intubation. Thoracoabdominal CT scan confirmed the diagnosis. Emergency left anterolateral thoracotomy allowed repair of concomitant pulmonary, gastric, and diaphragmatic injuries. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.

Conclusion: This case highlights the critical importance of early radiological assessment and timely surgical management in post-traumatic diaphragmatic injury to prevent severe respiratory and digestive complications. Comprehensive intraoperative exploration and vigilant postoperative care are essential to optimise patient outcomes.

Keywords: diaphragmatic rupture; penetrating trauma; gastric herniation; gastric perforation; thoracotomy; case report

References

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Published

08/25/2026

How to Cite

Lahssini, A., Taoufiq, R., Elaamadi, W., Zemraoui, N., Bouchikh, M., & Abdellah, A. (2026). Intrathoracic gastric perforation secondary to post-traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: a case report. Georgian Medical Journal, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.66636/gmj.v1.i3.a167

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2026): Surgical Innovation, Paediatrics, and Environmental Health

Section

Case Reports

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Amal Lahssini, Rachid Taoufiq, Wafae Elaamadi, Noran Zemraoui, Mohammed Bouchikh, Achir Abdellah

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